Guard signed a deal with Igokea and he will playing in Eurocup with champions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In NCAA1 with La Salle, Ramon Galloway avarged scoring 33.3 minutes per game, 17.2 points per game, with 42.5 % for 2 points and 41.2 % for 3 points. Have 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 asists with 82.7 % from free throw line in 34 games he played in last season.

Frye, 28, was born in New York and played for Sacred Heart University averaging 13.3ppg at 48% with 5 rebounds per game in his senior year. Jarrid has had two stints in Macedonia, played with the Kentucky Bisons in the US ABA and last season starred for Stjarnan in Iceland, averaging 22.8ppg at 55% with 7.9 rebounds per game and 4.5 assists.

The 196cm small forward will most likely join the team in China from August 14-24 as the 36ers play 6 games in an invitational tournament.

New 36ers head coach Joey Wright was delighted to have locked away the final piece of the puzzle 'I believe Jarrid is the exact type of player we were looking for to fill the last spot on the roster. Not only does he give us balance, he has a game that the fans will love watching.'

'We've put together a solid group, however the hard work begins now in pre-season.' said Wright.

The 36ers have put together a formidable back-court with Adam Gibson, Gary Ervin, Jason Cadee & Brendan Teys. Jarrid Frye and Mitch Creek will share the small forward's role and have four talented big guys Luke Schenscher, Daniel Johnson, BJ Anthony and the versatile Anthony Petrie.

CEZ Basketball Nymburk (NBL) tabbed 23-year old Austrian international center Rasid Mahalbasic (211-101kg-90). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Slovenian passport. Mahalbasic played most recently at Asseco Prokom Gdynia in Polish TBL league. In 36 games he averaged 11.0ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.8apg last season. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Honorable Mention and All-Bosmans Team. Mahalbasic also played 10 games in Euroleague where he had 9.1ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.3apg. The previous (11-12) season he played at Zlatorog (Telemach League) in Slovenia. In two games he had 4.0ppg, 1.0spg and 1.5bpg. Mahalbasic also played 3 games in Adriatic League where he had 4.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.7apg and 1.0bpg. He also spent pre-season at Fenerbahce Ulker (TBL) in Turkish league that year. The most of previous (10-11) season Mahalbasic spent at KK Split (A1) in Croatian league. In 14 games he had 4.6ppg and 2.1rpg. The other team he played that season for was Tofas (TBL) in Turkish league. In 10 games he had 3.7ppg and 3.0rpg. In 2009-10 season Mahalbasic was tested by Bosna ASA BHT (Division I) in Bosnia and Herzegovina league.Among other achievements he received Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Division B 1st Team award back in 2009 and 2010.Mahalbasic has been also a member of Austrian international program for some years. He has regularly played for the National Team since 2008 and previously for U20 National Team between 2009 and 2010. Mahalbasic represented Austria at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 8 games: 16.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 6.7%, FT: 61.8%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Italy U18 beat Austria U18 twice in Rome - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 beat Austria U18 twice in Rome in a friendly campaign between two sides. Italy posted easy 70:36 and 77:35 victories in their pre-season tournament before U18 European Championship. In the first game Italy U28 celebrated a 70:36 win over Austria U18. The hosts started the game with 15-9 and led 31:15 at the halftime. Moreover Italy increased to 47:25 after three quarters and celebrated a 34-point win. Maccaferri stepped up with 12 points and Tommaso Laquintana (187-PG-95) netted 11. Simone Fontecchio (197-SF-95) produced 10 and Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) as well as Akele added 8 each. Jakob Poltl (213-C-95) replied with 16 points and 15 rebounds in defeat. In Game 2 Italy added a 77:35 win. Jakob Poltl answered with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Austria.

Starwings Basket Regio Basel (LNA) signed 25-year old American power forward Travele Jones (203-88, college: Texas Southern). He played most recently at VOO Verviers-Pepinster in Belgian Ethias League, but left the team in Oct.'12. In two games he had 8.0ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.0spg last season. The previous (11-12) season Jones played at SAM Massagno. In 26 games he recorded very impressive stats: 16.8ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.8apg and 2.2spg (in top 4) that season.Jones graduated from Texas Southern University in 2011.

Belgium keep the winning streak at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team improved to 4-0 record in Group B after a 66:59 win over Cyprus. The latter fell at 1-3 record. Belgium was the favorite of the game and proved it with 17-11 lead in the first period. They added massive 22-7 in the second frame and enjoyed a 39:18 halftime advantage. Cyprus replied with a 10-0 run early in the third period as Stefanos Iliadis (185-PG-94) nailed three for 39:28. Antoniou later closed the frame at 46:38. Cyprus tried hard to come closer to the group-leader but managed to reduce to only 7 points. Louis Hazard (199-F-94) stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Emmanuel Lecomte (175-PG-95) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds. El Mahsini Yassine scored 13, whilst Maxime Pretto (192-SG-94) added 6. Stefanos Iliadis answered with 20 points in defeat, while Rafael Eleftheriou (200-G-94), Viktoras Ieronymidis (200-G/F-95) and Roberto Alexander Mantovani (200-F-94) netted 10 apiece.

Bosnia and Herzigovina players to watch in U18 tournament! - by Chris Mathieu

Bosnia and Herzigovina players to watch in U18 tournament!

Bosnia is about to embark on its attempt at repeating last seasons miraculous march to the Gold in U18 division B from last season. What started out with high hopes has been staggered by the loss of top European prospect Emir Sulejmanovic, who FIBA has ruled cant play for BiH until he turns 21 since he already played for another youth selection, Finland previously. BiH was looking forward to this addition to the squad after losing last season leaders Jusuf Nurkic and Adin Vrabac who are now both too old to play on the team.

The second big blow was the injury to Nedim Buza before training began. He managed to play in one practice match but was unable to compete at a high level and it looks likely he will miss the U18 championships this summer, barring a miracle.

Of the players that are still left these are the ones to keep an eye on.

Sandro Gacic: Once one of the top guard prospects in Europe, injuries and lack of development have stunted his growth. He still has immense talent but has failed to get measurably better the last two seasons. This is a key summer for the one time top prospect.

Dordje Kelecevic: A steady point guard who it seems has been on this team forever, Kelecevic will be looked to run the team, get some easy shots for his teammates, hit the open shot and defend. It will be interesting to see if he has an expanded role this summer and can thrive in such a situation.

Aleksandar Lazic: NBA caliber physical talent who played PF for the U18 team at only 195cm and averaged 10rbpg. With Buza being out he will likely start at SF for the team. He will need to be an impact player in multiple facets of the game if BiH is to play up to their potential. He can do it all on the court, he just needs to improve his court awareness. His natural ability is off the charts and he has been a pet project of Coach Nenad Markovic.

Ante Mikulic: Showed flashes during training, it will be interesting to see if he makes the final roster and has an impact on the team.

Imran Polutak: Outside of Lazic is probably the most physically talented player on the team. Incredibly raw, he will be needed to impact the team with defense and rebounding. It will be important for him to keep out of foul trouble and on the court, with minimum amount of turnovers.

Faris Smaljovic: Not the most talented player on the team, he is a smart player who can help the team with his craftiness and smarts.

Darijan Stipanovic: If Polutak gets injured or in foul trouble the team will rely heavily on Stipanovic who is more of a stretch four than a traditional center.

Nedim Tunovic: A bit undersized but will likely see playing time and adds needed depth to the post position.

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BRAZIL

2013 University Games: Estonia finished 7th after the win over Brazil - by Eurobasket News

Brazil-Estonia 63:67

Estonia finished 7th after the win over Brazil at the 2013 University Games. They overcame the opponents 67:63 as both teams finished their campaign in Kazan. Brazil looked better in the first period and led 4 points twice during the quarter. GONCALVES Isaac nailed three for 22:21 and le later brought 26:25. Estonia however got the lead and grabbed 34:33 halftime advantage. Brazil replied with 21-16 rally in the third period, but Estonia pushed the tempo in the last stanza. Toomas Raadik (202-F-90) scored 11 points in a row for the Estonian team that enjoyed a 67:63 victory. Toomas Raadik stepped up with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Taavi Hamarsalu (200-C/F-89), Madis Saarmets (201-C-90) and Erik Keedus (198-F-90) netted 12 each. Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92) replied with 18 points for Brazil that finished 8th at the 2013 University Games. George Chaia (190-G-91) and DEODATO Guilherme brought 9 points each, while Leonardo Meindl (200-F-93) had 8.

U20 European Championship: Bulgaria shoot past Georgia to gain 2-0 record on top of Group H - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria U20 - Georgia U20 85:44

Bulgaria posted the second straight win at the start of the classification round at the U20 European Championship. They outgunned Georgia to take 2-0 record on top of Group H. Kris Minkov (198-SG-94) chipped in 15 points to lead the effort. Bulgaria started the game in a convincing manner. They outscored Georgia 21:9 in the opening ten minutes. Bulgaria stayed red hot offensively in the second frame. They erupted for 27 points to ensure a 48:21 halftime lead. Georgia struggled to match their opponents in the second half. Bulgaria opened a comfortable 66:30 lead heading into the fourth period. They did not slow down and coasted to the victory at the end. Kiril Kirilov (206-C-94), Aleks Simeonov (200-PF-93) and Dimitar Dimitrov (202-PF-93, agency: Interperformances) provided 12 points each for the winners. Otar Pkhakadze (190-PG-93) answered with 14 points for Georgia. Temuri Phkhadze (202-C-94) chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Serbia clinch Bronze at the 2013 University Games. The Balkan side overcame Canada 87:74 at the 2013 University Games. Two years ago both teams faced each other in the Final game. Serbia regained the World University Games title. They prevailed against Canada 68:55 in the championship game in Shenzhen. Mladen Jeremic stepped up with 17 points to lead the charge. Today the teams played for the Bronze medals. Serbia won the first period 24:16 and added 23-21 lead in the second frame. Canada however replied with a 26-14 surge and EJIM Melvin tied the game at 57:57. Dwight Powell (208-F-91) made it 70:70, but Serbia erupted with a 17-4 surge to seal the victory.Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Ivan Smiljanic (199-F-89) nailed 13. Milos Dimic (195-G-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Stefan Zivanovic (196-G-89) posted 9 points each. Dwight Powell answered with 12 points in defeat and Thomas Scrubb (196-F-91) netted 11. Daniel Mullings (188-G-91) brought 10, while Philip Scrubb (190-G-92) had 9.

Chile beat China to finish a step higher at the 2013 University Games. Chile needed a 76:72 win for 21st place in Kazan.Chile started the game with 22-18 lead, but China replied with a 23-11 surge in the second frame. XIAO Jian made it 41:33 to send both sides to the lockers. Cui Jinming (193-G-92) increased to 10 points early in the third period, but China could not win the game. Tomas Alvarez (185-G-89) nailed three for 60:59 early in the last period and then COTRONEO Rocco scored for 68:64. Chile managed to keep the lead and won their last game. Camilo Bustamante (187-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Tomas Alvarez nailed 15. Francisco Pena (187-G/F-89) brought 13, while Osven Ledezma (202-C-90) collected 9 points and 19 rebounds. Liu Zihao (183-PG-92) replied with 16 points in defeat, while Cui Jinming had 15. Wei Meng (210-C-89) collected 12 points and 12 rebounds for China that finished on the 22nd place.

Chile beat China to finish a step higher at the 2013 University Games. Chile needed a 76:72 win for 21st place in Kazan.Chile started the game with 22-18 lead, but China replied with a 23-11 surge in the second frame. XIAO Jian made it 41:33 to send both sides to the lockers. Cui Jinming (193-G-92) increased to 10 points early in the third period, but China could not win the game. Tomas Alvarez (185-G-89) nailed three for 60:59 early in the last period and then COTRONEO Rocco scored for 68:64. Chile managed to keep the lead and won their last game. Camilo Bustamante (187-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Tomas Alvarez nailed 15. Francisco Pena (187-G/F-89) brought 13, while Osven Ledezma (202-C-90) collected 9 points and 19 rebounds. Liu Zihao (183-PG-92) replied with 16 points in defeat, while Cui Jinming had 15. Wei Meng (210-C-89) collected 12 points and 12 rebounds for China that finished on the 22nd place.

Upea Capo d'Orlando (Lega2 Gold) landed 37-year old former Croatian international center Sandro Nicevic (210-107kg-76, agency: Beo Basket). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Italian passport. Nicevic played most recently at Cibona in Croatian A1 league. In 19 games he averaged 6.5ppg and 2.7rpg last season. He helped them to win the league title. The previous (11-12) season Nicevic played at Sutor Montegranaro (SerieA). In 27 games he had 3.7ppg and 1.4rpg that season. In 2010-11 season he played at Benetton Treviso (SerieA). In 23 games he had 6.4ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.0spg. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals. Nicevic also played 5 games in Eurocup where he had 8.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0apg and 1.2spg.Among other achievements he received Eurobasket.com All-Eurocup 2nd Team award back in 2009. Nicevic represented Croatia at the European Championships in Poland four years ago. His stats at that event were 9 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 64.7%, FT-2 (92.9%).Nicevic is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in France (Le Mans and STB Le Havre), Greece (AEK Athens), Slovenia (Un.Olimpija), Spain (Unicaja Malaga) and Turkey (Besiktas).It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Upea Capo d'Orlando.Nicevic is described as:
Very unstable game. Can have great evening, while the next game does not impress at all. Very good rebounder. Can also block.

By Eurobasket Data Center

2013 EYOF: France edge Croatia in Utrecht - by Eurobasket News

France U16 - Croatia U16 72:66

French U16 National Team victoriously opened the European Youth Olympic Festival tournament in Netherlands. They held off Croatia in the opener. Luc Loubaki (189-G-97) posted 21 points to lead the winners. The teams stayed close throughout the first frame. France eked out a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia went on a 16:7 run in the second frame. They accumulated a 30:22 halftime lead. But Les Bleus recovered well after the big break. They unloaded 28 points and secured a 3-point lead before the fourth frame. France went on a 22:19 run in the final stanza to seal the win. Stephane Gombauld (202-PF-97) accounted for 18 points and 9 rebounds for France. Renathan Ona Embo (185-PG-98) had 9 points in the victory. Ivica Zubac (211-C-97) replied with 22 points for Croatia. Nik Slavica (201-F-97) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Croatia claimed the first win at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. They defeated Germany to catch up with their opponents at 1-3 record in Group E. Matej Buovac (200-G/F-93) nailed 16 points to lead the winners. Croatia spurred ahead early in the encounter. They gained a 10:3 lead midway through the first period. Croatia posted an 18:9 lead after ten minutes. Germany slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. They ignited a 17:11 run to cut the deficit three points at halftime 26:29. Tolksdorf and David Brembly (197-SG-93) gave Germany a 30:29 lead early in the third period. The teams exchanged baskets before Croatia capped the term with a 6:2 run stealing a 49:43 lead. Croatia opened the fourth frame on a 6:0 run to boost the gap at 12-point mark 55:43. Germany responded with a massive 11:0 rally to jump ahead 59:58. But Boban drained a triple to stop the rot and then Henrik Sirko (200-F-93) and Juraj Segaric (183-PG-93) converted five free throws to seal the victory for Croatia. Henrik Sirko netted 13 points, while Juraj Segaric added 12 for the winners. David Brembly responded with 13 points for Germany. Alexander Blessig (188-PG-93) had 11 points in the defeat.

In 2012 Thad was Eurobasket.com All- Czeck league player, guard and import player of the year.

Cyprus NT U20 lost from Finland and Belgium and is now to 1-3 - by Chris Mammides

Another two defeats for the Cyprus NT with the one against the Finnish being a total thrash since the young Cypriots lost with 50 points difference while on the yesterdays game against the not so better team of Belgium the Cyprus NT lost with 59-66. So at this stage with a record of 1-3 is at the last spot of the group with minimum chances to succeed something better than the games for the 9-12 position.

The Cyprus NT in general could have done better especially against the Dutch and the Belgians two games which the result could have been different with minor changes. Never the less the facts and figures are there, is a matter of better organization, better methodology and of course above all planning, something which is obviously missing all these years from the Basketball federation. Lets hope that from now and on this will be slightly changed in the short term future as otherwise the talents like Stefanos Iliadis (185-PG-94), Ieronymides, Eleftheriou, Roberto Alexander Mantovani (200-F-94) and the others will be lost like many others the last decade.In regards to the game against Belgium now (as it is pointless to analyze the -50 points defeat from Finland) the game had many ups and downs for the two teams but the steadier finally won. Belgium begun the game with obviously offensive rhythm while the young Cypriots were still breezed by the Finnish nightmare of the previous night and couldnt score at all with Matnovani and Ieronymides being off mood and the Cyprus NT getting the points only from the amazing (last night) Stefanos Iliadis. So in the first 5 minutes, Cyprus scored 4 points and the slow paste was continuing. By the end of the first period, the Cyprus NT scored 11 points against 17 of the Belgians with the score being quite normal since Papamichael scored 4 points which were unexpected as he was not among the players used seriously in the previous games for the NT.

The second period was even worst for the Cyprus NT, in fact it was the worst period of the game for the Cypriots. Even though Papamichael scored his 5th points (the first 5 points of the young player in the tournament) missing the one of 2 free throws, the Cyprus NT remain pointless for the next three minutes with the Belgians increasing their deficit to +10, 12-22 and in the next 2 minutes the score reminded us a bit the game against Finnish the previous day with a nearly double figures (15-29) 5.05 before the end of the first half and 18-36, a minute before the end. The final 18-39 of the first half reminded a lot the previous night for the Cyprus NT from which only Stefanos Iliadis was able to fight back the well organized team of Belgium, a country which is not famous for their level of basketball

The third period though was the best for the Cyprus NT since Ieronymides and Roberto Alexander Mantovani with Eleftheriou backed up Stefanos Iliadis and by keeping the Belgians initially 4 minutes without a point cut the deficit to 28-39 (10-0), and then they cut it even more to end up to 38-46 with Antonious lay-up at the end of the third period.

The fourth and final period, where the young Cypriots could have done their total recall, this never happened as the Belgians played smart and never let the players of Yiannaras to do their game (lets not forget that the NT is playing mainly with 5-7 players since the other players do not get some serious time in the court, and on the other hand, most of our opponents have at least 8-9 players to split the time) so with all and all, the Cyprus NT cut the deficit only at the end and the final 59-66 is obviously a fair result.Top scorers:Cyprus: Stefanos Iliadis 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals, Roberto Alexander Mantovani 10 points and 7 rebounds, Eleftheriou 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Ieronymides 10 points and 5 reboundsBelgium: Louis Hazard (199-F-94) 15, Lecomte 14 and 10 rebounds and El Mahsini 13

Belgium keep the winning streak at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team improved to 4-0 record in Group B after a 66:59 win over Cyprus. The latter fell at 1-3 record. Belgium was the favorite of the game and proved it with 17-11 lead in the first period. They added massive 22-7 in the second frame and enjoyed a 39:18 halftime advantage. Cyprus replied with a 10-0 run early in the third period as Stefanos Iliadis (185-PG-94) nailed three for 39:28. Antoniou later closed the frame at 46:38. Cyprus tried hard to come closer to the group-leader but managed to reduce to only 7 points. Louis Hazard (199-F-94) stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Emmanuel Lecomte (175-PG-95) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds. El Mahsini Yassine scored 13, whilst Maxime Pretto (192-SG-94) added 6. Stefanos Iliadis answered with 20 points in defeat, while Rafael Eleftheriou (200-G-94), Viktoras Ieronymidis (200-G/F-95) and Roberto Alexander Mantovani (200-F-94) netted 10 apiece.

2013 University Games: Czech Republic closed the campaign with the win over Mongolia - by Eurobasket News

Mongolia-Czech Republic 80:94

Czech Republic closed the campaign with the win over Mongolia at the 2013 University Games. Czech Republic produced a 94:80 victory for the 15th place at the tournament. Mongolia finished the tournament on the 16th position.Both teams did their best to finish on a high note. Czech Republic started the game with 18-17 lead and added 24-22 before the halftime. The European side also posted a 31-25 rally in the third quarter and finished the game with 21-16 end. Michal Mares (192-G/F-92) paced all the winners with 21 points and Viktor Cvek (200-C-89) nailed 14. Martin Gniadek (201-F/C-90) and Adam Ciz (190-PG-91) delivered 12 points each, while Jan Jiricek (203-F-90) had 10. Sanchir Tungalag (188-G-89) answered with 26 points in defeat and Munkhtuvshin Davaadorj (189-SG-89) had 14. Bilguun Battuvshin (197-F-89) brought 13, whilst Gansukh Avarzed (191-G-92) chipped in with 8.

CEZ Basketball Nymburk (NBL) tabbed 23-year old Austrian international center Rasid Mahalbasic (211-101kg-90). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Slovenian passport. Mahalbasic played most recently at Asseco Prokom Gdynia in Polish TBL league. In 36 games he averaged 11.0ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.8apg last season. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Honorable Mention and All-Bosmans Team. Mahalbasic also played 10 games in Euroleague where he had 9.1ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.3apg. The previous (11-12) season he played at Zlatorog (Telemach League) in Slovenia. In two games he had 4.0ppg, 1.0spg and 1.5bpg. Mahalbasic also played 3 games in Adriatic League where he had 4.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.7apg and 1.0bpg. He also spent pre-season at Fenerbahce Ulker (TBL) in Turkish league that year. The most of previous (10-11) season Mahalbasic spent at KK Split (A1) in Croatian league. In 14 games he had 4.6ppg and 2.1rpg. The other team he played that season for was Tofas (TBL) in Turkish league. In 10 games he had 3.7ppg and 3.0rpg. In 2009-10 season Mahalbasic was tested by Bosna ASA BHT (Division I) in Bosnia and Herzegovina league.Among other achievements he received Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Division B 1st Team award back in 2009 and 2010.Mahalbasic has been also a member of Austrian international program for some years. He has regularly played for the National Team since 2008 and previously for U20 National Team between 2009 and 2010. Mahalbasic represented Austria at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 8 games: 16.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 6.7%, FT: 61.8%.

Ukraine celebrated the first win at the classification round Group G at the U20 European Championship. They prevailed against Czech Republic in Tallinn today. Vladyslav Koreniuk (207-C-94) scored 22 points to lead the winners. It was all about Ukraine in the first three periods. They poured in 29 points in the first ten minutes to gain a 10-point lead. Ukraine stretched the gap to as many as 15 points at the interval 41:56. Ukraine stayed in control throughout the third quarter. They raced to a comfortable 23-point lead before the final stanza. But Czech Republic did not surrender. They ignited a massive rally in the final period to get within 6 points 81:87 with 52 seconds remaining. But Klym Artamonov (186-PG-93) sank two free throws to calm things down as Ukraine got away with the victory. Anatoliy Shundel (194-SG-93) chipped in 21 points, while Klym Artamonov netted 18 points, 9 assists and 3 boards in the victory. Martin Kriz (204-PF-93) answered with 25 points for Czech Republic. Samuel Faifr (200-PF-93) banked 12 points in the loss.

CEZ Basketball Nymburk (NBL) inked 26-year old American point guard Scottie Reynolds (188-95kg-87, college: Villanova). He played most recently at Enel Brindisi in Italian SerieA. In 30 games he recorded 11.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 5.4apg and 2.0spg last season. The most of previous (2011-12) season Reynolds spent at Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (TBL) in Turkish league. In 14 games he averaged impressive 18.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.4apg and 1.1spg that season. He also spent pre-season at the Jazz in NBA that year. The last (2011-12) summer Reynolds was tested by Talk N Text (PBA) in Filipino league.Three years ago he was drafted by Tulsa 66ers (D-League) in first round (13th overall).Reynolds attended Villanova University until 2010 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.Among other achievements he played in the final of Santiago Regional Tournment in 2011. Reynolds was selected to D-League All-Star Game in 2011.He is a very experienced player. Reynolds has played also professionally in Dominican Rep., Dominican Republic (CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago) and D-League (Springfield Armor).His game is described as:
An explosive scorer capable of playing either guard position ... Crafty with the basketball, especially on drives to the basket ... An accomplished 3-point shooter with range well beyond the arc.

Utah Jazz have new D-League affiliation with Bakersfield Jam - by Eurobasket News

After just one year as the Reno Bighorns' partners, the Utah Jazz are switching allegiances in the D-League. So long, "The Biggest Little City in the World." Hello, Bakersfield, Calif. The NBA and its Development League announced today that the Jazz will be affiliated with the Bakersfield Jam for the 2013-14 season. Utah needed a new affiliate after the Sacramento Kings bought the rights to be the Bighorns' sole partner. For those having a hard time keeping track of the Jazz's D-League teams, the Jam will be the franchise's fifth different affiliation since 2005. Utah has previously been associated with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (2005-06), Idaho Stampede (2006-07 and 2011-12), Utah Flash (2007-11) and Reno Bighorns (2012-13). The Jam, who play at Dignity Health Events Center, are a popular D-League squad. They will also be affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors this season. Utah has called up 10 different D-League players over the years, including guard Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette), who finished the 2012-13 season with the Jazz after playing with the Jam. He remains on the Jazz's roster with a nonguaranteed contract after playing with the team in the Orlando Pro Summer League. Courtesy of: deseretnews.com

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Wins for Caneros, Indios and Metros - by Eurobasket News

Caneros celebrated just the second win in the LNB season. They fired past Reales 92:64. Edward Santana (203-F-80) stepped up with 15 points to lead the winners. Reales led by two points after the opening quarter but conceded 54 points in the next two periods to face a 27-point deficit before the fourth frame. Caneros dropped 21 points in the final period and sealed the victory. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) chipped in 12 points for the winners. Santos Martinez (198-G/F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Livingstone) answered with 15 points for Reales. Indios maintain the leading position in the North Division. They earned the 7th victory beating Titanes. Demetrius Conger (198-F-90, college: St.Bonaventure) chipped in 19 points for Indios. Alberto Ozuna (G) delivered 15 points for the winning side. Gary Flowers secured 22 points for Titanes. James Maye (201-G/F-81, college: NC-Greensboro) and Benjamin Colon (201-F-84, college: Florida CCJ) netted 12 points each in the loss. Metros snatched an 89:80 victory over Cocolos. Victor Liz (188-G/F-88) nailed 18 points to lead Metros to the 6th win in the season. Metros poured in 26 points in the first period to gain a 6-point lead. They entered the final stanza up by 4 points and dropped 21 points to secure the victory. Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford) chipped in 13 points for the winning team. Ollie Bailey (201-G/F-85, college: Oklahoma City) responded with 22 points for Cocolos.

Sweden snapped three-game losing skid at the U20 European Championship. They beat Estonia to improve at 1-1 record in classification round Group H. Both teams are now tied at the second position in the ladder. The hosts confidently opened the game. Estonia ensured a 23:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts boosted the gap in the second frame. They accumulated a 42:32 halftime advantage. But the Scandinavian team turned things around in the third term. They triggered a 25:12 rally to surge ahead. Estonia could not recover from the blow in the final period. They scored just 15 points and yielded at the end. Marcus Eriksson (200-SG-93) provided 24 points to lead Sweden. Jonathan Person (190-PG-93) added 16 points for the winning side. Rait-Riivo Laane (187-G-93) answered with 21 points for Estonia. Rauno Nurger (209-C-93) had 16 points in the loss.

2013 University Games: Estonia finished 7th after the win over Brazil - by Eurobasket News

Brazil-Estonia 63:67

Estonia finished 7th after the win over Brazil at the 2013 University Games. They overcame the opponents 67:63 as both teams finished their campaign in Kazan. Brazil looked better in the first period and led 4 points twice during the quarter. GONCALVES Isaac nailed three for 22:21 and le later brought 26:25. Estonia however got the lead and grabbed 34:33 halftime advantage. Brazil replied with 21-16 rally in the third period, but Estonia pushed the tempo in the last stanza. Toomas Raadik (202-F-90) scored 11 points in a row for the Estonian team that enjoyed a 67:63 victory. Toomas Raadik stepped up with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Taavi Hamarsalu (200-C/F-89), Madis Saarmets (201-C-90) and Erik Keedus (198-F-90) netted 12 each. Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92) replied with 18 points for Brazil that finished 8th at the 2013 University Games. George Chaia (190-G-91) and DEODATO Guilherme brought 9 points each, while Leonardo Meindl (200-F-93) had 8.

Estonian U16 National Team continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship. They defeated the Georgian counterparts in the exhibition clash. Siim Post (182-G-97) nailed 15 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 5 assists for the winners. Georgia led by a single point after ten minutes of action. But Estonia went on a 25:7 run in the second frame to ensure a 44:27 halftime advantage. Estonia boosted the gap in the third term. They accumulated a 59:39 advantage before the fourth frame. Estonia and Georgia traded baskets throughout the final stanza as the hosts cruised to the victory. Robert Valge (187-SF-97) and Ken Kuber (183-SG-97) delivered 14 points each for Estonia. Willy Isiani (195-PF-97) answered with 15 points and 15 boards for Georgia. Giorgi Gogoberishvili (187-SG-97) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

ESL Las Vegas is very excited about this group of players and after seeing how hard they competed in the first day of drills, team practices and evaluation games, we are sure that these players will compete at a high level. Teams have been set and made competitive after a few trades following the evalutation games. Scouts, gms, agents, player personell and teams from all over the world will be seeing these players participate in these three days as official games are set to begin Tuesday and Wednesday at 9am.

Guard signed a deal with Igokea and he will playing in Eurocup with champions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In NCAA1 with La Salle, Ramon Galloway avarged scoring 33.3 minutes per game, 17.2 points per game, with 42.5 % for 2 points and 41.2 % for 3 points. Have 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 asists with 82.7 % from free throw line in 34 games he played in last season.

A new era of Eurocup expansion in terms of participation, quantity of games and geographical reach started today with the announcement of the teams that will fill the competition's 2013-14 regular season groups. The list consists of 41 teams who will be joined by seven more in late October, following their participation in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds, for a total of 48 competing in the Eurocup Regular Season. The list of teams shows the tremendous strides that the Eurocup has taken in recent seasons. The 2013-14 edition will be played in at least 21 countries. A minimum of 10 national champions from those countries will participate in the Eurocup, with the possibility of as many as three more joining the competition after the Euroleague qualifying rounds. The 2013-14 Eurocup features three former champions - Valencia Basket (2003, 2010), Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem (2004) and Unics Kazan (2011) and two past runners-up (Alba Berlin 2010 and Bilbao Basket 2013). Additionally, the competition's map of geographical coverage is wide as ever, going Bilbao, Spain in the west to Kazan, Russia in the east, Loimaa, Finland in the north and Jerusalem, Israel, in the south. The 2013-14 Eurocup format has changed, too. The teams will be grouped geographically into eight groups of six each in a regular season that starts October 16. The top three teams in each group proceed to a new Last 32 phase, beginning January 8, when they will be joined by the eight Euroleague teams that did not qualify for that competitions Top 16. The Last 32 will consist of eight groups of four teams, half of which will advance to the Last 16, which begins March 5. From that point, the teams will play two-game, single elimination series: eighthfinals start March 5, quarterfinals on March 19 and semifinals on April 2. The two surviving teams will also play a home-and-away series on their own courts that replaces the single-game final of last season. Game 1 of the finals will be on May 1 and Game 2 on May 7.

According to Sports news management of Galatasaray make agreement with Serbina power forward Zoran Erceg (210-PF-85). After one season in CSKA Moscow Erceg decides to returns to Turkey and joins other Serbian power forward Milan Macvan. Next season Galagasaray will play Euroleague and before Erceg, Galatasaray extends contract with Carlos Arayo. Last season Zoran Erceg had bad injury and had break of almost 5 months. On 15 games in Euroleague Erceg average scored 6.2 points, 2.5 boards, on 16 games in VTB league average scored 7.1 points, 1.8 boards and on 6 games in Russian league average scored 3.7 points and 1.0 board per game. Zoran Erceg was on the list of potential candidates for Serbian National team, but after advices from Medical team he decides to take break this summer. Zoran Erceg started career in Polet Keramika Novi Becej, played for Borac Cacak, FMP Zeleznik, Olympiacos, Besiktas and CSKA Moscow. Zoran Erceg was member of Serbia and Montenegro U18, U20 and Serbian senior National team.

Group AMoldova U18 - Wales U18 83:82Moldovan U18 National Team earned victory in the opening day of the U18 European Championship in Division C. They eked out a narrow one-point win over Wales in Andorra. Vladislav Solopa (202-F-95) provided 23 points, 12 boards and 7 assists for the winners. Moldova unleashed 30 points in the first period to take an 8-point advantage. But Wales adjusted their defence and slowed down their opponents. The Welsh team cut the deficit at 3-point mark at halftime 44:47. Wales erased the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the fourth period tied at 67. Wales enjoyed an 82:81 lead with just over a minute remaining in regulation. But Vladislav Solopa hit two free throws in the reminder of the contest and sealed the win for Moldova. Vladislav Golban (195-F-95) delivered 21 points, while Piotr Liulenov (185-G-95) had 12 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Daniel Walsh (185-G-95) answered with 20 points for Wales. James Cameron (200-C-95) had 19 points and 11 boards in the loss.

Group BMonaco U18 - Gibraltar U18 61:54Monaco registered the first win at the U18 European Championship in Division C. They held off Gibraltar in Andorra. Hugo Tata (180-G-96) nailed 22 points to lead the winners. Monaco erupted for 28 points in the first period and gained a 12-point lead. Gibraltar cut the deficit in the second period. They got within 8 points at halftime 39:31. But Monaco stiffened defensively in the third term. They held Gibraltar at 12 points in the third quarter and gained a 9-point lead at the final intermission. Gibraltar tried hard to bounce back in the fourth term but came up short of victory at the end. Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) provided 15 points and 11 boards for Monaco. Alessandro Generale (185-C-96) had 13 points in the victory. Timothy Fava (176-G-97) answered with 18 points for Gibraltar. Jake Haefner (185-G/F-97) netted 9 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the loss.

Group E

Greece - Montenegro 70-47Greece earned the sixth straight win at the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Montenegro to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group E. Ioannis Papapetrou (203-SF-94) finished with 17 points to lead the winners. Montenegro slipped at 1-3 record after the defeat. Greece earned a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They held Montenegro to just 7 points in the second frame and registered an 11-point halftime lead 30:19. The Hellenes went on a stunning 29:7 run in the third term to clear off. They entered the final period up by 33 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo (208-G/F-94, agency: FCM) produced 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Dimitrios Agravanis added 11 points for the winners. Vukota Pavic (203-C-93, agency: Dynamics Global Management) answered with 12 points for Montenegro. Milija Mikovic netted 10 points in the loss.

Lithuania - Turkey 48-52Turkey snatched a narrow win over Lithuania on the second day of the Second Stage at the U20 European Championship. The victory propelled Turkey at 3-1 record, while Lithuania fell at 2-2 record in Group E. Turkey gained a 14:10 lead after the opening stanza. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Turkey enjoyed a 27:22 halftime advantage. Turkey kept the Baltic team at bay throughout the third period. Lithuania scored just 4 points in the quarter to face a 9-point deficit before the final stanza. The margin grew at 12-point mark midway through the fourth term. Lithuania managed to narrow the gap late in regulation but never threatened the Turkish lead. Samet Geyik (205-PF-93) chipped in 21 points to lead the winners. Erbil Eroglu (194-PG-93) added 10 points, while Berkay Candan and Ramazan Tekin added 7 points each for Turkey. Vaidas Kariniauskas (197-SF-93) answered with 9 points for Lithuania. Ignas Vaitkus had 8 points in the loss.

Croatia - Germany 66-61Croatia claimed the first win at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. They defeated Germany to catch up with their opponents at 1-3 record in Group E. Matej Buovac (200-G/F-93) nailed 16 points to lead the winners. Croatia spurred ahead early in the encounter. They gained a 10:3 lead midway through the first period. Croatia posted an 18:9 lead after ten minutes. Germany slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. They ignited a 17:11 run to cut the deficit three points at halftime 26:29. Tolksdorf and David Brembly (197-SG-93) gave Germany a 30:29 lead early in the third period. The teams exchanged baskets before Croatia capped the term with a 6:2 run stealing a 49:43 lead. Croatia opened the fourth frame on a 6:0 run to boost the gap at 12-point mark 55:43. Germany responded with a massive 11:0 rally to jump ahead 59:58. But Boban drained a triple to stop the rot and then Henrik Sirko (200-F-93) and Juraj Segaric converted five free throws to seal the victory for Croatia. Henrik Sirko netted 13 points, while Juraj Segaric added 12 for the winners. David Brembly responded with 13 points for Germany. Alexander Blessig had 11 points in the defeat.

Group F

Spain - France 70-52Spain clinched a confident win over France at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. The victory allowed Spain gain 2-2 record in Group F. France suffered the second consecutive defeat and slipped at 1-3 record. Spain stayed dominant throughout the first quarter. They recorded a 17:7 lead after ten minutes. France stopped the rot in the second period. They got within 7 points at halftime 29:22. But Spain regained control in the third term. They exploded with 23 points to secure a 14-point lead before the fourth term. Spain dropped 18 points in the final stanza and sealed a comfortable victory at the end. Guillem Vives (191-PG-93) nailed 16 points and issued 7 assists for the winners. Daniel Diez (203-F-93) added 15 points for Spain. Alexandre Chassang (202-PF-94), Hugo Invernizzi and Mouhammadou Jaiteh had 11 points each for France.

Latvia - Italy 88-81Latvia clinched the sixth straight victory at the U20 European Championship. They fired past Italy for 4-0 record on top of Group F. Ojars Silins (208-PF-93) nailed 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the charge. Italy slipped at 2-2 record after the defeat. Latvia opened the game with seven straight points. They soon opened a 13:2 lead and maintained it throughout the opening quarter. The Baltic team entered the second period up by 7 points 23:16. Latvia kept Italy at distance throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 42:32 halftime advantage. The Baltic team erupted for 28 points in the third term to boost the lead at 16-point mark at the final intermission. The Azzurri cut the deficit at 7-point mark with under two minutes remaining but could not get any closer in the reminder of the contest. Ingus Jakovics (186-PG-93, college: Liepaja-2) had 17 points, while Janis Berzins added 16 points for the winners. Awudu Abass (196-SF-93, agency: Players Group) answered with 21 points for Italy. Matteo Imbro had 18 points in the losing case.

Slovenia - Russia 69-88Russia claimed the second consecutive win at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Slovenia to gain 2-2 record in Group F. Slovenia on the other hand suffered the second straight defeat and slipped at 1-3 record. Denis Zakharov (193-PG-93) came up with 20 points to pace the winners. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first period. Slovenia and Russia entered the second quarter tied at 19-all. Russia stepped on the gas in the second period. They exploded with 25 points to gain a 44:37 halftime lead. Russia took off in the third term. They went on a 23:14 run to ensure a comfortable 16-point lead at the final intermission 67:51. Russia poured in 21 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Vladislav Trushkin (200-SF-93) nailed 15 points, while Maksym Sakharov added 14 points for the winning side. Ziga Dimec (212-C-93) and Miha Lapornik (196-SG-93) tossed in 14 points apiece in the loss.

Group G

Israel - Serbia 62-66Serbia clinched the third straight win at the U20 European Championship. They defeated Israel to improve at 2-0 record in Group G. Israell fell at 1-1 record in the ladder. Ivan Marinkovic (209-PF-93) came up with 15 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners. Serbia eked out an 18:16 lead after the opening quarter. They boosted the gap in the second frame. The Balkan team accumulated a 36:28 halftime advantage. Israel finally found the right rhythm in the third quarter. They went on a 19:14 rally and cut the deficit 3 points at the final break. Serbia however limited their opponents to just 15 points in the fourth stanza and raced to the win at the end. Luka Mitrovic (205-PF-93) and Nenad Miljenovic delivered 11 points apiece for the winners. Tom Maayan answered with 11 points for Israel. Egor Koulechov (195-F-94) topscored with 16 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Czech Republic - Ukraine 83-89Ukraine celebrated the first win at the classification round Group G at the U20 European Championship. They prevailed against Czech Republic in Tallinn today. Vladyslav Koreniuk scored 22 points to lead the winners. It was all about Ukraine in the first three periods. They poured in 29 points in the first ten minutes to gain a 10-point lead. Ukraine stretched the gap to as many as 15 points at the interval 41:56. Ukraine stayed in control throughout the third quarter. They raced to a comfortable 23-point lead before the final stanza. But Czech Republic did not surrender. They ignited a massive rally in the final period to get within 6 points 81:87 with 52 seconds remaining. But Klym Artamonov sank two free throws to calm things down as Ukraine got away with the victory. Anatoliy Shundel (194-SG-93) chipped in 21 points, while Klym Artamonov netted 18 points, 9 assists and 3 boards in the victory. Martin Kriz (204-PF-93) answered with 25 points for Czech Republic. Samuel Faifr banked 12 points in the loss.

Group H

Estonia - Sweden 69-77Sweden snapped three-game losing skid at the U20 European Championship. They beat Estonia to improve at 1-1 record in classification round Group H. Both teams are now tied at the second position in the ladder. The hosts confidently opened the game. Estonia ensured a 23:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts boosted the gap in the second frame. They accumulated a 42:32 halftime advantage. But the Scandinavian team turned things around in the third term. They triggered a 25:12 rally to surge ahead. Estonia could not recover from the blow in the final period. They scored just 15 points and yielded at the end. Marcus Eriksson (200-SG-93) provided 24 points to lead Sweden. Jonathan Person (190-PG-93) added 16 points for the winning side. Rait-Riivo Laane (187-G-93) answered with 21 points for Estonia. Rauno Nurger had 16 points in the loss.

Bulgaria - Georgia 85-44Bulgaria posted the second straight win at the start of the classification round at the U20 European Championship. They outgunned Georgia to take 2-0 record on top of Group H. Kris Minkov (198-SG-94) chipped in 15 points to lead the effort. Bulgaria started the game in a convincing manner. They outscored Georgia 21:9 in the opening ten minutes. Bulgaria stayed red hot offensively in the second frame. They erupted for 27 points to ensure a 48:21 halftime lead. Georgia struggled to match their opponents in the second half. Bulgaria opened a comfortable 66:30 lead heading into the fourth period. They did not slow down and coasted to the victory at the end. Kiril Kirilov, Aleks Simeonov and Dimitar Dimitrov provided 12 points each for the winners. Otar Pkhakadze (190-PG-93) answered with 14 points for Georgia. Temuri Phkhadze chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Division B: Day 4 in Pitesti - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Hungary - Romania 65-53Hungary beat the hosts in Day 4 of the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Hungarian side improved to 3-1 record in Group A after a 65:53 win over Romania. The hosts meanwhile fell at 1-3 record. Pitesti saw an early push of the home side as Romania won the first period 21:15. Hungary meanwhile dominated the rest of the game and posted three victories in three other quarters. Luka Markovic (197-F/G-93) tied the game at 25:25 and Allen Rosco gave Hungary 34:32 halftime advantage. Trailing 38:42 with 5 minutes to go in the third period, Hungary kept the hosts scoreless until the end of the quarter and finished the frame with a 9-0 run. Luka Markovic brought 51:42 early in the last stanza and then Hungary managed to keep the victory. Allen Rosco top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Luka Markovic netted 14. Dobos Laszlo collected 8 points and 12 rebounds, while Marton Varga (205-F/C-94) also scored 8. Olah Alexandru answered with 17 points in the losing effort. Stoicoviciu Vlad had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Lazar Mario notched 7.

United Kingdom - Poland 83-74Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93) nailed 37 points to keep Great Britain undefeated at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Great Britain beat Poland 83:74 for 4-0 record. Poland meanwhile suffered their first loss and dropped at 3-1 record. Both teams entered the game undefeated and desired to add another victory. Poland won the first period 27:24, but Great Britain needed a 27-15 surge in the second frame to take 51:42 halftime advantage. Poland managed to win the third period as Trojan reduced to 58:56 after three quarters. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G/F-93) and Karolak gave Poland 64:63 lead, but their teams could not post the victory. Nick Lewis (190-G-93) scored 20 points and Hart Joe nailed 11. Wells Zak followed them with 6 points. Mateusz Ponitka finished the game with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Przemyslaw Karnowski (216-C-93) collected 20 points and 13 rebounds. Kowalczyk Sebastian and Gielo Tomasz scored 6 points each.

Luxembourg - Slovakia 62-51Luxembourg keep Slovakia winless at the U20 European Championship. Luxembourg earned the initial 62:51 win in Pitesti and improved to 1-3 record. Slovakia meanwhile fell at 0-4 record. Both teams entered the game winless and desired the initial win. Slovak Republic opened the game with 20:18 lead and added 12-8 rally in the second frame. Luxembourg however dominated the second half and posted two important victories. They won the third period 15-9 and finished the game with 21-10 run. Laurent Alex top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Welter Tom netted 18. Gilles Polfer (188-SG-93) and Melcher Bob scored 8 points each. Michal Cekovsky (210-F-94) ended up with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Peter Mesarc (193-F-93) had 8. Tot Oliver and Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) brought 6 points each in a win.

Group B

Switzerland - Finland 94-88Switzerland sneak past Finland in Pitesti at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side improved to 2-2 record after a 94:88 overtime victory. Finland already fell at 1-3 record in Group B. Finland looked better in the first half and won first two quarters. At first Finland posted a 20:17 lead and then added a 27-23 rally. Switzerland needed a 24-19 come back in the third quarter and posted a 16-14 rally in the fourth period. Due to 14-8 in overtime Switzerland posted the second win at the tournament. Mladjan Dusan and Andjelkovic Daniel combined for 50 points and 24 rebounds. Arben Hoxha (182-PG-94) netted 14 and Marco Lehmann (185-SG-93) scored 10. Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) answered with 34 points in the losing effort and Lehtoranta Joonas netted 25. Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) collected 12 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Huolila Tommi had 12.

Cyprus - Belgium 59-66Belgium keep the winning streak at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The team improved to 4-0 record in Group B after a 66:59 win over Cyprus. The latter fell at 1-3 record. Belgium was the favorite of the game and proved it with 17-11 lead in the first period. They added massive 22-7 in the second frame and enjoyed a 39:18 halftime advantage. Cyprus replied with a 10-0 run early in the third period as Stefanos Iliadis (185-PG-94) nailed three for 39:28. Antoniou later closed the frame at 46:38. Cyprus tried hard to come closer to the group-leader but managed to reduce to only 7 points. Hazard Louis stepped up with 15 points for the winners and Lecomte Emmanuel collected 14 points and 10 rebounds. El Mahsini Yassine scored 13, whilst Pretto Maxime added 6. Stefanos Iliadis answered with 20 points in defeat, while Eleftheriou Rafael, Viktoras Ieronymidis (200-G/F-95) and Mantovani Roberto Alexander netted 10 apiece.

Holland - Portugal 63-72Portugal beat Holland to tie both records at 2-2 at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Portuguese team grabbed a 72:63 win in Pitesti. Portugal won the first period 23:19 and added massive 26-14 rally in the second frame. No matter how hard the Dutch team tried to recover they could not catch up with the opponents. Holland won the third period 13-11 and finished the game with 17-12 run. Portugal led 20 points with less than 5 minutes to go, but Holland closed the game with a 9-0 run for the final result. Bastos Pedro top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Henrique Piedade (189-SF-94) as well as Ribeiro Joao had 12 each. Jonah Callenbach (194-F/G-93) followed them with 10 points. Yannick Van Der Ark and Dexter Hope (185-PG-93) scored 13 points each in defeat, while Kevin Bleeker (208-C-93) had 10. Aarts Roel scored 9 points for the Dutch side.

Last spring Korisliiga finalist KTP-Basket (Kotka) has signed with American PG Dontell Jefferson (196-G-83, college: Arkansas) for coming 2013-14 season. So, now KTP has two foreigners signed as Team re-signed earlier with Canadian F Sefton Barrett (196-SF-83, college: Cent.Michigan). Jefferson played two years on Arkansas University (2004-06) and has then later been several seasons in the D-league. In the spring 2008 Jefferson played 15 games in Latvian League (Riga) averaging 8,3 ppg - 2,6 apg and six games in Baltic League (7,5 ppg - 1,3 apg). In March 2009 Jefferson played six games in the NBA (Charlotte Bobcats) and averaged 4,8 ppg - 2,0 rpg - 1,5 apg.

Switzerland sneak past Finland in Pitesti at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side improved to 2-2 record after a 94:88 overtime victory. Finland already fell at 1-3 record in Group B. Finland looked better in the first half and won first two quarters. At first Finland posted a 20:17 lead and then added a 27-23 rally. Switzerland needed a 24-19 come back in the third quarter and posted a 16-14 rally in the fourth period. Due to 14-8 in overtime Switzerland posted the second win at the tournament. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Daniel Andjelkovic (200-PF-94) combined for 50 points and 24 rebounds. Arben Hoxha (182-PG-94) netted 14 and Marco Lehmann (185-SG-93) scored 10. Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) answered with 34 points in the losing effort and Joonas Lehtoranta (194-SG-94) netted 25. Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) collected 12 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Tommi Huolila (198-PF-93) had 12.

2013 University Games: USA rout Finland for the final 9th position - by Eurobasket News

USA-Finland 97:70

USA rout Finland for the final 9th position at the 2013 University Games. One of the favorites posted a 97:70 victory in their last game of the campaign. It was not the Classification Round the USA dreamt to play in. The team could not make it to the Quarterfinals and desired however to finish on a high note. USA started the game with 25-20 lead and erupted with 27-6 surge in the second frame. Moreover USA posted a 20-18 rally in the third quarter, while Finland replied with 26-25 run in the last stanza. Will Sheehey (6'7''-F-92) stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Adreian Payne (6'10''-C-91) delivered 13. Aaron White (6'8''-F-92) brought 12 and Kevin Ferrell (6'0''-G-93) scored 11. Finland got 18 points from Carl Lindbom (6'9''-F-91), while Antto Nikkarinen (6'1''-PG-91, agency: Blacktop Management) netted 10. Roope Ahonen (6'1''-G-90, agency: FCM) posted 9 points and Jesse Niemi (6'4''-F/G-90) added 8 in a loss.

Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (ProA) landed naturalized Mali forward Bandja Sy (203-97kg, agency: Fusion Sports). He just graduated from New Mexico State University (NCAA). In 36 games he averaged 12.0ppg, 7.4rpg and 1.4apg last season. He helped them to win WAC Tournament. It was a very successful season in his career as he was selected to All-WAC 1st Team.As mentioned above Sy is just out of the college and it will be his first season in pro basketball.He has played previously for another French team High School.

Spain clinched a confident win over France at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. The victory allowed Spain gain 2-2 record in Group F. France suffered the second consecutive defeat and slipped at 1-3 record. Spain stayed dominant throughout the first quarter. They recorded a 17:7 lead after ten minutes. France stopped the rot in the second period. They got within 7 points at halftime 29:22. But Spain regained control in the third term. They exploded with 23 points to secure a 14-point lead before the fourth term. Spain dropped 18 points in the final stanza and sealed a comfortable victory at the end. Guillem Vives (191-PG-93) nailed 16 points and issued 7 assists for the winners. Daniel Diez (203-F-93) added 15 points for Spain. Alexandre Chassang (202-PF-94), Hugo Invernizzi (196-SF-93) and Mouhammadou Jaiteh (205-C-94, agency: Fusion Sports) had 11 points each for France.

French U16 National Team victoriously opened the European Youth Olympic Festival tournament in Netherlands. They held off Croatia in the opener. Luc Loubaki (189-G-97) posted 21 points to lead the winners. The teams stayed close throughout the first frame. France eked out a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia went on a 16:7 run in the second frame. They accumulated a 30:22 halftime lead. But Les Bleus recovered well after the big break. They unloaded 28 points and secured a 3-point lead before the fourth frame. France went on a 22:19 run in the final stanza to seal the win. Stephane Gombauld (202-PF-97) accounted for 18 points and 9 rebounds for France. Renathan Ona Embo (185-PG-98) had 9 points in the victory. Ivica Zubac (211-C-97) replied with 22 points for Croatia. Nik Slavica (201-F-97) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Cimberio Varese (SerieA) landed 26-year old American guard Aubrey Coleman (193-90kg-87, college: Houston, agency: Two Points). He played most recently at Cholet Basket in French ProA. In 7 games he averaged 12.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.4apg and 1.6spg last season. Coleman also played at Bighorns in D-League that season. But in two games he had just 1.0ppg and 1.5rpg. The other team he played that season for was Austin Toros in D-League. In 12 games he had 11.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.3apg and 1.3spg. Another team Coleman played shortly was CEZ Nymburk (NBL) in Czech Republic league. The previous (11-12) season he played at Angelico Biella. It was a very successful season in his career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game. Coleman's college team won C-USA Tournament in 2010.He has played previously professionally in Turkey (Aliaga) and China (Fujian).Coleman attended University of Houston until 2010 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.Let's have closer look into His outlook:
More a scorer than a pure shooter, his hunting territory is the paint, where he is very good in building his shot out from the dribble and draws lots of fouls. Defensively, he is a great ball stealer, above all on the passing lines. Not a pure SG, however, and too undersized to play the SF at NBA level. He could probably become European League material very soon.

2-The National Championship Seniors ladies who will determine the champion in 2013 will be played with four teams: SOMO, Ndella, GALAXY ... HOPE teams Port Gentil are still missing ...

3-Finals playoffs: Tali Manga BB vs BB ... 1 game Thursday in Libreville and Saturday game 2 Moanda ... if 1-1 game support in the week.

*****************************************************

GEORGIA

Estonia U16 roll past Georgia U16 in friendly - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U16 - Georgia U16 76:56

Estonian U16 National Team continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship. They defeated the Georgian counterparts in the exhibition clash. Siim Post (182-G-97) nailed 15 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 5 assists for the winners. Georgia led by a single point after ten minutes of action. But Estonia went on a 25:7 run in the second frame to ensure a 44:27 halftime advantage. Estonia boosted the gap in the third term. They accumulated a 59:39 advantage before the fourth frame. Estonia and Georgia traded baskets throughout the final stanza as the hosts cruised to the victory. Robert Valge (187-SF-97) and Ken Kuber (183-SG-97) delivered 14 points each for Estonia. Willy Isiani (195-PF-97) answered with 15 points and 15 boards for Georgia. Giorgi Gogoberishvili (187-SG-97) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

U20 European Championship: Bulgaria shoot past Georgia to gain 2-0 record on top of Group H - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria U20 - Georgia U20 85:44

Bulgaria posted the second straight win at the start of the classification round at the U20 European Championship. They outgunned Georgia to take 2-0 record on top of Group H. Kris Minkov (198-SG-94) chipped in 15 points to lead the effort. Bulgaria started the game in a convincing manner. They outscored Georgia 21:9 in the opening ten minutes. Bulgaria stayed red hot offensively in the second frame. They erupted for 27 points to ensure a 48:21 halftime lead. Georgia struggled to match their opponents in the second half. Bulgaria opened a comfortable 66:30 lead heading into the fourth period. They did not slow down and coasted to the victory at the end. Kiril Kirilov (206-C-94), Aleks Simeonov (200-PF-93) and Dimitar Dimitrov (202-PF-93, agency: Interperformances) provided 12 points each for the winners. Otar Pkhakadze (190-PG-93) answered with 14 points for Georgia. Temuri Phkhadze (202-C-94) chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Pro B team RSV Eintracht have recieved a known face back with Kellen Williams (194-F-84, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: E.Washington) Williams is a 29 yera old 194cm forward from Seattle, Washington that has experience having played in Germany and played with Stahnsdorf from 2010-2012. Lasts eason he was a beast for BC Energie Zwickau (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five): 16 games: 21.6ppg, 15.4rpg, 2.4apg. The American started his basketball career with E.Washington (NCAA) where he played atotal of 97 NCAA games. He started his professional basketball career with BC Energie Zwickau. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Big Sky Tournament Semifinals -06, All-Big Sky Conf. 2nd Team -08, Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-East First Team -10, and Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-East 1st Team -13

Pro A team Science City Jena have announced the arrival of Billy Rush (201-G/F-88, college: Robert Morris). Rush is a 24 year old 201cm swing man with experience last season in Germany. Last season he played with Finke Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA): 14 games: 11.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 52.3%, 3FGP: 36.2%, FT: 71. Rush is a solid forward who is a great shooter and can dominate the boards in a lot of leagues. Also possesses a defensive tenacity that is unmatched. Billy can play a stretch 4 man or an oversized 3 man that can cause matchup problems for opposing teams. "Billy is a player atht any team would like to have. He leads and motivates his teammates. He is a great defender that is a team orientated offensive player", stated Science City head coach Bjoern Harmsen. Rush started his absketball career with Robert Morris (NAIA). As a professional he played with the Tulsa 66ers (D-League) playing 14 games: 8.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 20.9%, FT: 83.3%. "I am very thankfull for the club that I can bring my wife and child here. It would have been very difficult as a newly married man to be without them. I am been impressed with my new team", stressed Billy Rush.

After gathering basketball experience in Frankfurt and Crailsheim, Falko Theilig (180-PG-92) returns back to where he started his basketball career in Giessen. Theilig is a 21 year old 180cm point guard that gave the nickname no look pass a new menaing in the Pro B last season. Last season he played for the Crailsheim Merlins (ProA): 2 games: 0pts; German ProA: 2 games: 0 points, in Nov.'12 moved to Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB, starting five): 18 games: 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-5 (5.4apg), FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 19.4%, FT: 71.2%. "We are happy to have a Giessener on our roster and an interesting player. His fighting qualities fits well into our concept. He gave agood impression in the try out and now has the chance to get good minutes with good practices", stressed Giessen head coach Denis Wucherer. Theilig played two seasons with Giessen between 2008 and 2010, but never found a role an dthen went to Frankfurt in 2010. "I am looking forwrad to the challenge in my home area and hope to us ethe chance. I have always followed the club an dam happy to give my part now", stressed Falko Theilig. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U16 National Team -07-08, European Championships U16 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) -08 (Gold): 9 games: 2.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.9apg, German U18 National Team -09-10, European Championships U18 in Metz (France) -09: 8 games: 3.6ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.1apg, Albert Schweitzer International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -10, European Championships U18 in Vilnius (Lithuania) -10: 7 games: 5.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.3apg, German U20 National Team -11, and European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) -11: 4 games: 0.5ppg

Johnathon Jones (183-PG-88, college: Oakland) is a 25 year old 183cm guard from Lansing, Michigan that played recently for the Fraport Skyliners and finished the season for HKK Siroki WWin (Bosnia-Division 1) where he reached the final losing in five games. He played 15 games: 8.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT-3 (85.0%); Adriatic League: 11 games: 9.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT-1 (52.0%), FT: 71.4%. He played at Oakland from 2006-2010 playing a total of 125 NCAA games. In hiss enior year, he played 35 games: 12.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 6.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 84.8%. He broke numerous school records like Set school record in minutes played (4,846) and tied school record as the all-time winningest player over four-year career, 85 wins . Ranks third all-time in school history in steals (196) and 11th in league history . Stands 10th all-time in OU history in points (1,674) and 18th on the league all-time scoring list . His career .816 free throw percentage ranks 10th in league history and T4 in school history . First OU player to surpass 1,300 points and 800 assists. In 2010-2011, he started his professional basketball career with MBK Rieker Komarno (Slovakia-Extraliga) and played there for two seasons. Last season he played 42 games: 16.3ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-4 (5.3apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 80.2%. He was Slovakian League Finalist -12, Slovakian League Regular Season Champion -12, and Slovakian Cup Finalist -12. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

You played in Bosnia last season. How much did you miss Frankfurt?I missed it a lot. Bosnia is a different place and a lot smaller. Frankfurt was a lot bigger.

You didnt play the last games with Frankfurt. How difficult was it mentally for you?It was a very difficult phase, but one has to remember that it is a business aspect. My teammates like Zach Peacock, Ted Scott, Larry Wright and Tez helped me keeping me positive and just take it day to day and keep working hard.

Did you know that your days were numbered in Frankfurt?I had a feeling as soon as I had missed the whole first half in Tuebingen. I kept practicing hard and talked with my agent about my options.

What do you think was the main reason for leaving the Fraport Skyliners?At the end of the day it is always about winning. Frankfurt was always expected to win and it wasnt happening so they made a change.

Your best game was a 14 point eight assist performance in Artland. Why werent you more consistent on the floor?In Artland, Devin Gibson was hurt so I was the only point guard.When Gibson came back, we split the playing time and we never found our rhythm. I think that this messed up both of our games. We had a long talk and kept working hard.

Sometimes you seemed a bit too passive and non aggressive. Was the Beko BBL too high a level for you?I dont think that the Beko BBL was too hard for me, but I just never figured out my role. We had many great scorers on the team and I never found my rhythm.

My favorite play was your ally-op to Tez against Braunschweig. What was your favorite play?

I thought that that was one of the best plays as well. This was a great moment for me. Tez and I had a great chemistry. He was a great mentor for me and I learned a lot from him.

You averaged 25 minutes in the last five games. Not really a reason for Muli Katzurin to lose confidence in you?I dont know, but Muli katzurin is a great coach who has won titles. He has a different way to coach and it was just tough to adjust to his style.

Were you disappointed as Dawn Robinson came?The Skyliners wanted more of an experienced player and he helped them.

What could you learn from Tez on defense?

He is the best defender that I ever went against. I learned much from him and I really liked his anticipation, toughness and Quickness.

What will you remember the most from Frankfurt?Spending my time with a group of great guys. They had a top notch coaching staff and it was fun hanging out with the guys.

Who was the best player that you played against?Davin White of Phoenix Hagen. He is a good point guard.

How did Ted Scott get you to laugh best?Ted has a different type of personality. He was always upbeat and didnt let anything frustrate him on the court.

You played your first season in Bosnia. Was it a big adjustment coming from Frankfurt?It was such a big adjustment because it reminded me a lot of my time in Slovakia.

You played in the Adriatic league. How high was the level?

It was a tough league as we play teams from Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia. The teams play Euroleague, Eurocup and Eurochallenge.

What was your role in the team?

I was the go to guy and there was more pressure, but I thrive on it.

You recently beat Euroleague team Partizan Belgrad. Was that the biggest win for you as a professional?Yes that was the biggest win with Ulm with Frankfurt.

Do you have a Mcdonalds or Burker King in Bosnia or have you gotten used to a Bosnian food?

The roster of new pro A team Bayer Giants Leverkusen is starting to take shape as the club announced that Lucas Welling and Olegas Legankovas (197-SF-94) will remain with the team. Welling is a 27 year old 199cm forward that has played most of his career in Leverkusen. He didnt play last season, but the season before played 14 games: 5.2ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 61.1%. Olegas Legankovas is an 18 year old 197cm forward and last seaosn played 29 games: 5.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 65.2%, played also at Bayer Giants Leverkusen U19 team (Germany-NBBL). "Lucas has done nice progress after his shoulder operation. He came back a lot earlier than we thought, but his broken finger cost him the final series. He was irreplaceable as captain and he wants to find that status again. I think that he can do that", said Giants head coach Achim Kuczmann. "Oleg had many offers. That he chose us is an acheivemnet that we like to take", added Achim Kuczmann.

Pro A club Finke Baskets have secured Ricky Taylor (195-G-89) who will be starting his professional basketball career in Germany. Taylor is a 23 year old 195cm guard from Brownsville, Tennesse. He played his college career at Chattanooga (NCAA) and in his senior year played 31 games: 11.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 78.2%. "Ricky is a player that feels at home at almost all positions and is an allrounder. He also is known as an intelligent player with leadership skills", stated Finke Baskets head coach Martin Kruger. He played a total of 114 NCAA games and last season scored in double figures 23 times including 24 points agaisnt Elon. Also off the court he has stayed busy starting the Ricky Taylor Basketball Inc which is an organization that organizes basketball camps that gives young players a good basketball basis. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Southern Conf. North Division Regular Season Co-Champion -09, 11, and Southern Conf. Tournament Winner -09

Pro A team MLP Academics have announced the arrival of three players with Eric Curth Aaron Schmitz (193-PG-93) And Adrian Lind.All three players will get a license to play with the Pro A team and Regionaliga team. Curth is a 21 year old 193cm forward that started his basketball career with teh Bis Baskets Speyer an dplayed with BG Karlsruhe the last two seasons and last season played BG Karlsruhe (ProA): 13 games: 2.7ppg. Aaron Schmitz is a 19 year old 193 cm point guard who is the brother of Beko BBL player Simon Schmitz and also started his basketball career in Speyer and played in Karlsruhe. Last season he played for Dragons Rhoendorf (ProB): 20 games: 3.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.3apg, played also at Rhoendorfer TV II (2.Regionalliga). Adrian Lind is a 20 year old 204cm power forward that also started his basketball career with BG Karlsruhe.

Apparently not only cats have nine lives, but at times NBA players also as German Tim Ohlbrecht (210-F/C-88) found out. Ohlbrecht who made the NBA last season after making a name for himself in the Beko BBL was waived last weekend by the Houston Rockets after playing only a total of three NBA games getting a total of 12 minutes. His only points came against Dirk NOwizki an dthe Dallas Mavericks. Last season he had to make the route to the NBA via the D-league where he played very well playing 38 games and averaging 12,9ppg and 7,3rpg. He hardly got any playing time in the 2013 Summer league and apparently the team was looking in other directions. However according to http://www.libertyballers.com, the 24 year old 210cm big man has been picked up by NBA team Philadelphia 76ers. Ohlbrecht had recieved a three year deal with the HOuston Rockets last season and now apparently teh 76ers will assume responsobility of his contract until 2015.

Brian Butler (194-F-91) is looking to make the next step in his basketball career, moving from Pro B to Pro A. He has agreed to terms with the Ehingen Steeples and is leaving Weissenhorn following a three-year stint.The 21-year-old forward from Augsburg scored 9.1 points a contest for the Youngstars last season and pulled down 4.7 rebounds per game. He reached the Pro B semifinals with the Weissenhorn team and managed to take his game to new heights during the playoffs, averaging 15.0 points and 7.8 boards. Butler has been playing organized basketball for only a couple of years and has been improving vastly ever since.

2013 University Games: Mexico overcame Germany, as both teams farewell to Kazan - by Eurobasket News

Germany-Mexico 64:71

Mexico overcame Germany, as both teams farewell to Kazan. Mexico finished on the 11th spot after a 71:64 win at the 2013 University Games. Both teams entered Miras Sports Complex in order to win their last game. Mexico posted a 20-18 run in the first period, while Germany replied with 16-11 rally in the second frame. The third period was decisive in the game as Mexico exploded with 30-16 burst and never looked behind after. The European team managed to win the last stanza 14-10, but reduced to final 7 points. Juan Ramirez (195-F-91) paced all the winners with 17 points and Ricardo Calatayud (182-PG-92) followed him with 15. Jesus Felix (194-F-90) brought 13 points and Fernando Benitez (204-F/C-89) had 12. Ole Wendt (190-PG-92) notched 16 points for Germany and Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (208-C-90, agency: Court Side) had 13. Florian Koch (197-SF-92) scored 12, and MOENNINGHOFF Mathis added 9.

Croatia claimed the first win at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. They defeated Germany to catch up with their opponents at 1-3 record in Group E. Matej Buovac (200-G/F-93) nailed 16 points to lead the winners. Croatia spurred ahead early in the encounter. They gained a 10:3 lead midway through the first period. Croatia posted an 18:9 lead after ten minutes. Germany slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. They ignited a 17:11 run to cut the deficit three points at halftime 26:29. Tolksdorf and David Brembly (197-SG-93) gave Germany a 30:29 lead early in the third period. The teams exchanged baskets before Croatia capped the term with a 6:2 run stealing a 49:43 lead. Croatia opened the fourth frame on a 6:0 run to boost the gap at 12-point mark 55:43. Germany responded with a massive 11:0 rally to jump ahead 59:58. But Boban drained a triple to stop the rot and then Henrik Sirko (200-F-93) and Juraj Segaric (183-PG-93) converted five free throws to seal the victory for Croatia. Henrik Sirko netted 13 points, while Juraj Segaric added 12 for the winners. David Brembly responded with 13 points for Germany. Alexander Blessig (188-PG-93) had 11 points in the defeat.

Germany U16 opened their European Youth Olympic Festival tournament campaign with victory. They rallied past the Polish counterparts. Tibor Taras (188-SG-97) stepped up with 16 points for the winning side. Germany led by a single point after ten minutes 11:10. They eked out a 28:26 halftime lead. Germany managed to deepen the distance in the third quarter. They held Poland to just 7 points in the period accumulating a 38:33 buffer before the fourth term. Germany exploded with a 19:8 run in the final period and sealed the victory. Erwin-Ngueffe Nkemazon (203-C-97) had 7 points and 11 boards, while Marcel Theodor Kessen (201-F/C-97) added 7 points for the winners. Marcel Ponitka (187-PG-97) answered with 11 points for Poland. Jakub Mijakowski (184-G-97) chipped in 9 points in the defeat.

Monaco registered the first win at the U18 European Championship in Division C. They held off Gibraltar in Andorra. Hugo Tata (180-G-96) nailed 22 points to lead the winners. Monaco erupted for 28 points in the first period and gained a 12-point lead. Gibraltar cut the deficit in the second period. They got within 8 points at halftime 39:31. But Monaco stiffened defensively in the third term. They held Gibraltar at 12 points in the third quarter and gained a 9-point lead at the final intermission. Gibraltar tried hard to bounce back in the fourth term but came up short of victory at the end. Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) provided 15 points and 11 boards for Monaco. Alessandro Generale (185-C-96) had 13 points in the victory. Timothy Fava (176-G-97) answered with 18 points for Gibraltar. Jake Haefner (185-G/F-97) netted 9 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the loss.

Aris Thessaloniki (A1) re-signed 32-year old former international forward Michalis Pelekanos (198-81, agency: FCM). He played there last season. In 27 A1 games he averaged 11.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.9apg and 1.4spg.The previous (11-12) season Pelekanos played at Olympiacos. In 18 games he had just 2.8ppg and 2.2rpg that season. He helped them to win the league title and they also made it to the cup final. Pelekanos also played 10 games in Euroleague where he had 3.1ppg and 2.0rpg. He was selected to Greek League All-Star Game back in 2010. Pelekanos represented Greece at the Olympic Games in Beijing (China) five years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 2.6ppg, 1.8rpg.Pelekanos has played previously professionally in Spain (Real Madrid) and Greece (AEK Athens, Panellinios and Marousi).Let's have closer look into His outlook: A athletic SF, with great leapig ability, who loves to play in the open court and to finish with spectacular dunks. He's also improving his outside shooting and defense, however.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Aris keep Pelekanos for another season - by Eurobasket News (T)

Aris Thessaloniki (A1) re-signed 32-year old former international forward Michalis Pelekanos (198-81, agency: FCM). He played there last season. In 27 A1 games he averaged 11.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.9apg and 1.4spg.The previous (11-12) season Pelekanos played at Olympiacos. In 18 games he had just 2.8ppg and 2.2rpg that season. He helped them to win the league title and they also made it to the cup final. Pelekanos also played 10 games in Euroleague where he had 3.1ppg and 2.0rpg. He was selected to Greek League All-Star Game back in 2010. Pelekanos represented Greece at the Olympic Games in Beijing (China) five years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 2.6ppg, 1.8rpg.Pelekanos has played previously professionally in Spain (Real Madrid) and Greece (AEK Athens, Panellinios and Marousi).Let's have closer look into His outlook: A athletic SF, with great leapig ability, who loves to play in the open court and to finish with spectacular dunks. He's also improving his outside shooting and defense, however.

Greece earned the sixth straight win at the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Montenegro to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group E. Ioannis Papapetrou (203-SF-94) finished with 17 points to lead the winners. Montenegro slipped at 1-3 record after the defeat. Greece earned a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They held Montenegro to just 7 points in the second frame and registered an 11-point halftime lead 30:19. The Hellenes went on a stunning 29:7 run in the third term to clear off. They entered the final period up by 33 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo (208-G/F-94, agency: FCM) produced 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Dimitrios Agravanis (208-PF-94, agency: FCM) added 11 points for the winners. Vukota Pavic (203-C-93, agency: Dynamics Global Management) answered with 12 points for Montenegro. Milija Mikovic (205-C-94) netted 10 points in the loss.

U20 European Championship: Portugal beat Holland to tie both records at 2-2 - by Eurobasket News

Holland U20-Portugal U20 63:72

Portugal beat Holland to tie both records at 2-2 at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Portuguese team grabbed a 72:63 win in Pitesti. Portugal won the first period 23:19 and added massive 26-14 rally in the second frame. No matter how hard the Dutch team tried to recover they could not catch up with the opponents. Holland won the third period 13-11 and finished the game with 17-12 run. Portugal led 20 points with less than 5 minutes to go, but Holland closed the game with a 9-0 run for the final result. Pedro Bastos (186-PG-94) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Henrique Piedade (189-SF-94) as well as Joao Ribeiro (201-PF-93) had 12 each. Jonah Callenbach (194-F/G-93) followed them with 10 points. Yannick Van Der Ark (193-G/F-93) and Dexter Hope (185-PG-93) scored 13 points each in defeat, while Kevin Bleeker (208-C-93) had 10. Roel Aarts (201-PF-93) scored 9 points for the Dutch side.

Turkey earned the first win at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht. They shot down hosting Netherlands for 1-0 record. Turkey used a 19:4 run in the second quarter to gain a 16-point halftime lead. Turkey kept Netherlands at bay throughout the third term. The visitors established a 51:30 lead heading into the fourth frame. Netherlands scored just 10 points in the final stanza and had to surrender at the end. Egehan Arna (192-G-97, agency: 1x1 Sports) nailed 15 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 4 assists to lead Turkey. Berkan Durmaz (197-F-97) finished with 11 points for the winning side. Menno Dijkstra (210-C-97) responded with 10 points for Netherlands. Bieshaar had 9 points in the loss.

U20 European Championship: Hungary beat the hosts in Day 4 - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U20-Romania U20 65:53

Hungary beat the hosts in Day 4 of the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Hungarian side improved to 3-1 record in Group A after a 65:53 win over Romania. The hosts meanwhile fell at 1-3 record. Pitesti saw an early push of the home side as Romania won the first period 21:15. Hungary meanwhile dominated the rest of the game and posted three victories in three other quarters. Luka Markovic (197-F/G-93) tied the game at 25:25 and Rosco Allen (216-PF-93) gave Hungary 34:32 halftime advantage. Trailing 38:42 with 5 minutes to go in the third period, Hungary kept the hosts scoreless until the end of the quarter and finished the frame with a 9-0 run. Luka Markovic brought 51:42 early in the last stanza and then Hungary managed to keep the victory. Rosco Allen top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Luka Markovic netted 14. Laszlo Dobos (220-C-93, agency: FCM) collected 8 points and 12 rebounds, while Marton Varga (205-F/C-94) also scored 8. Alexandru Olah (213-C-93) answered with 17 points in the losing effort. Vlad Stoicoviciu (190-SG-94) had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Mario Lazar (201-PF-94) notched 7.

Serbia clinched the third straight win at the U20 European Championship. They defeated Israel to improve at 2-0 record in Group G. Israell fell at 1-1 record in the ladder. Ivan Marinkovic (209-PF-93) came up with 15 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners. Serbia eked out an 18:16 lead after the opening quarter. They boosted the gap in the second frame. The Balkan team accumulated a 36:28 halftime advantage. Israel finally found the right rhythm in the third quarter. They went on a 19:14 rally and cut the deficit 3 points at the final break. Serbia however limited their opponents to just 15 points in the fourth stanza and raced to the win at the end. Luka Mitrovic (205-PF-93) and Nenad Miljenovic (193-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 11 points apiece for the winners. Tom Maayan (188-PG-93) answered with 11 points for Israel. Egor Koulechov (195-F-94) topscored with 16 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Italy U18 beat Austria U18 twice in Rome in a friendly campaign between two sides. Italy posted easy 70:36 and 77:35 victories in their pre-season tournament before U18 European Championship. In the first game Italy U28 celebrated a 70:36 win over Austria U18. The hosts started the game with 15-9 and led 31:15 at the halftime. Moreover Italy increased to 47:25 after three quarters and celebrated a 34-point win. Maccaferri stepped up with 12 points and Tommaso Laquintana (187-PG-95) netted 11. Simone Fontecchio (197-SF-95) produced 10 and Lorenzo Baldasso (190-G-95) as well as Akele added 8 each. Jakob Poltl (213-C-95) replied with 16 points and 15 rebounds in defeat. In Game 2 Italy added a 77:35 win. Jakob Poltl answered with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Austria.

U20 European Championship: Latvia extend perfect run in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U20 - Italy U20 88:81

Latvia clinched the sixth straight victory at the U20 European Championship. They fired past Italy for 4-0 record on top of Group F. Ojars Silins (208-PF-93) nailed 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the charge. Italy slipped at 2-2 record after the defeat. Latvia opened the game with seven straight points. They soon opened a 13:2 lead and maintained it throughout the opening quarter. The Baltic team entered the second period up by 7 points 23:16. Latvia kept Italy at distance throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 42:32 halftime advantage. The Baltic team erupted for 28 points in the third term to boost the lead at 16-point mark at the final intermission. The Azzurri cut the deficit at 7-point mark with under two minutes remaining but could not get any closer in the reminder of the contest. Ingus Jakovics (186-PG-93, college: Liepaja-2) had 17 points, while Janis Berzins (201-SF-93, agency: Players Group) added 16 points for the winners. Awudu Abass (196-SF-93, agency: Players Group) answered with 21 points for Italy. Matteo Imbro (190-PG-94) had 18 points in the losing case.

Cimberio Varese (SerieA) landed 26-year old American guard Aubrey Coleman (193-90kg-87, college: Houston, agency: Two Points). He played most recently at Cholet Basket in French ProA. In 7 games he averaged 12.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.4apg and 1.6spg last season. Coleman also played at Bighorns in D-League that season. But in two games he had just 1.0ppg and 1.5rpg. The other team he played that season for was Austin Toros in D-League. In 12 games he had 11.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.3apg and 1.3spg. Another team Coleman played shortly was CEZ Nymburk (NBL) in Czech Republic league. The previous (11-12) season he played at Angelico Biella. It was a very successful season in his career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game. Coleman's college team won C-USA Tournament in 2010.He has played previously professionally in Turkey (Aliaga) and China (Fujian).Coleman attended University of Houston until 2010 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.Let's have closer look into His outlook:
More a scorer than a pure shooter, his hunting territory is the paint, where he is very good in building his shot out from the dribble and draws lots of fouls. Defensively, he is a great ball stealer, above all on the passing lines. Not a pure SG, however, and too undersized to play the SF at NBA level. He could probably become European League material very soon.

Upea Capo d'Orlando (Lega2 Gold) landed 37-year old former Croatian international center Sandro Nicevic (210-107kg-76, agency: Beo Basket). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Italian passport. Nicevic played most recently at Cibona in Croatian A1 league. In 19 games he averaged 6.5ppg and 2.7rpg last season. He helped them to win the league title. The previous (11-12) season Nicevic played at Sutor Montegranaro (SerieA). In 27 games he had 3.7ppg and 1.4rpg that season. In 2010-11 season he played at Benetton Treviso (SerieA). In 23 games he had 6.4ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.0spg. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals. Nicevic also played 5 games in Eurocup where he had 8.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0apg and 1.2spg.Among other achievements he received Eurobasket.com All-Eurocup 2nd Team award back in 2009. Nicevic represented Croatia at the European Championships in Poland four years ago. His stats at that event were 9 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 64.7%, FT-2 (92.9%).Nicevic is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in France (Le Mans and STB Le Havre), Greece (AEK Athens), Slovenia (Un.Olimpija), Spain (Unicaja Malaga) and Turkey (Besiktas).It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Upea Capo d'Orlando.Nicevic is described as:
Very unstable game. Can have great evening, while the next game does not impress at all. Very good rebounder. Can also block.

By Eurobasket Data Center

JuveCaserta land Chris Roberts - by Eurobasket News (T)

JuveCaserta bolstered their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Chris Roberts (193-G-88, college: Bradley). The guard spent the last season in D-League. He started the previous season with the Frisco Texas Legends. The guard posted 17.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Later Chris Roberts moved to the Austin Toros. His stats read 12.5 points, 3.1 boards and 2.4 assists per appearance. He was named into D-League All-Defensive 3rd Team. Chris Roberts is currently playing in the NBA Pro Summer League in Orlando. Previously Chris Roberts had spells in Mexico and D-League.

Umana Venezia lands Jacopo Giachetti - by Eurobasket News (T)

Umana Reyer Venezia (SerieA) tabbed 30-year old former international point guard Jacopo Giachetti (190-86kg-83). He has played for the last two years at EA7 Armani (SerieA). In 11 games he averaged just 2.4ppg last season. Giachetti also played 2 games in Euroleague but he did not score anything.Among other achievements he played in the final of Italian SerieA in 2008 and 2012. Giachetti was selected to Italian Beograd 2005 Project All-Star Game back in 2004.He was also a member of Italian international program for some years. Giachetti played for Italian Senior National Team between 2004 and 2011 and previously for U20 National Team between 2020 and 2002. He also represented Italy at the Qualifications to European Championships 2011 three years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 6.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 28.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT-2(89.5%).Giachetti has played previously for four other Italy teams: Lottomatica Roma, Montecatini, Livorno and Carrara.Let's have closer look into His outlook:
The most promising Italian point guard; at 18, he was yet able to quarterback a senior team; great passing skills and court vision; terrific when he plays a pick and roll, or when he is asked to speed up the tempo of the game, he's also very good in situations of passing game; he has yet a winning mentality, needs only to improve his outside shooting; a bright future ahead;.

By Eurobasket Data Center

2013 EYOF: Serbia breeze past Italy - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U16 - Italy U16 86:43

Serbian U16 National Team victoriously opened their European Youth Olympic Festival tournament campaign. They stunned Italy in the opener in Utrecht. Stefan Peno (193-SG-97) produced 15 points, 5 boards and 4 assists to lead the winning side. Serbia jumped to a 22:9 lead after the opening quarter. They stretched the gap in the second frame. Serbia piled up a 46:18 halftime advantage. The Balkan team dominated throughout the third term. They ensured a 69:33 lead at the final intermission. Serbia held Italy to just 10 points in the fourth frame and secured a comfortable win at the end. Vojislav Stojanovic (196-G-97) had 14 points, 7 boards and 5 assists, while Slobodan Jovanovic (192-SG-97, college: Regis Univ.) and David Miladinovic (205-C-97) chipped in 10 points each for the winners. Lorenzo Caroti (183-PG-97) answered with 7 points for Italy. Lusvarghi and Marco Timperi (188-G-97) netted 6 points apiece in the loss.

2013 University Games: Sweden rout Japan in the last day opener - by Eurobasket News

Sweden-Japan 62:50

Sweden rout Japan in the last day opener of the 2013 University Games. The Scandinavian team posted a 62:50 win to finish on the 17th place. Sweden opened the game with 16-6 lead and never looked behind after. The European team added 17-15 rally in the second period and led 12 points at the halftime. Japan managed to score the same number of points with the opponents in the second half. Both teams posted 15 points in the third period and ended up with 14 points apiece. Gustav Sundstrom (197-G-91) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Chris Czerapowicz (201-G-91) nailed 16. Alexander Lindqvist (205-F-91) poured in 8, while Sebastian Norman (206-F-92) added 6. Kengo Nomoto (196-F-92) replied with 16 points in defeat and Taku Bandoh (185-G-92) brought 15. Seiji Ikaruga (185-G-94) netted 7 and Kebin Hareyama (191-F-93) brought 5.

U20 European Championship: Latvia extend perfect run in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U20 - Italy U20 88:81

Latvia clinched the sixth straight victory at the U20 European Championship. They fired past Italy for 4-0 record on top of Group F. Ojars Silins (208-PF-93) nailed 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the charge. Italy slipped at 2-2 record after the defeat. Latvia opened the game with seven straight points. They soon opened a 13:2 lead and maintained it throughout the opening quarter. The Baltic team entered the second period up by 7 points 23:16. Latvia kept Italy at distance throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 42:32 halftime advantage. The Baltic team erupted for 28 points in the third term to boost the lead at 16-point mark at the final intermission. The Azzurri cut the deficit at 7-point mark with under two minutes remaining but could not get any closer in the reminder of the contest. Ingus Jakovics (186-PG-93, college: Liepaja-2) had 17 points, while Janis Berzins (201-SF-93, agency: Players Group) added 16 points for the winners. Awudu Abass (196-SF-93, agency: Players Group) answered with 21 points for Italy. Matteo Imbro (190-PG-94) had 18 points in the losing case.

Toronto Raptors released 28-year old Lithuanian international small forward Linas Kleiza (203-113kg-85, college: Missouri). Kleiza played there also last season. In 20 NBA games he had 7.4ppg and 2.6rpg.In 2005 he was drafted by Portland Trail Blazers in first round (27 th overall). Kleiza attended University of Missouri. It is his ninth season in pro basketball. Kleiza was also voted Eurobasket.com All-Olympic Games Honorable Mention in 2008 and 2012. His team won Greek Cup in 2010.He has been also a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. Kleiza has regularly played for since 2006 and previously for U21 National Team back in 2003. He represented Lithuania at the Olympic Games in London (United Kingdon) last year. His stats at that event were 6 games: 13.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 78.6%.Kleiza has played previously professionally in other NBA team (Denver Nuggets) and Greece (Olympiacos).He could be described: For his age, he has a very powerful build. He is all about hustle and laying it on the line. He has good quickness in the half-court.Big, strong Lithuanian who led Lithuanian U-16 NT in 2001 European U-16 championship and was the best scorer and rebounder in championship with 21.7 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. Enjoys the physical battle inside despite his size. Plays with good intensity. Very strong under the basket and also has touch around the basket. Can hit the medium range jumper. Has great hands, and superb upper body strength. Was pretty dominant in Junior competitions and even has played at center, but if he stops growing he will face some problems adjusting to Senior competitions, as he lacks size to become a top PF.World Championships U18 '03 comments (by Yarone Arbel):The best scorer, and the best 2FG% shooter, of the championship, is coming from Lithuania, and as many other players in the history and present of Lithuanian basketball he moved to the USA to play in High School and continue to college. The combination of the European basics in Lithuania, and the side dish of the athletic USA style surely give good results. Kleiza is a very good example. When needed he takes the game on him, and just does whatever he wishes. A true winner that knows to elevate his game when it matters. Constantly fighting on court. One year younger than the generation that played in the Championship, so keep that in mind too. 42 pts and 10 rbs in the SF qualifying match vs. Puerto Rico, 27 pts, 13 rbs, 4 st and 3 bl in the huge win over Greece in the Semi Finals. He has a strong body and he uses it very well. With only 203 cm it's hard to see him make it to the NBA as a power forward, but in Europe he will be great in that wherever needed. If he becomes a bigger threat from downtown, improve his dribbling skills and work on his quickness, or in other words become more of a Small Forward, the NBA option will be much closer. He has a very consistent mid-range shot, can play facing the basket and post up. Most of the teams didn't know how to handle him. Give him the ball in the paint and he will use his strong body to nail the 2 points. Stop his penetration and he can stop and nail a mid-range shot. Timing and good position helps him a lot to his rebounding skills, when there's almost no difference between his offense and defense rebounding skills. Both equally good.

By Eurobasket Data Center

2013 University Games: Lithuania ended up on the 5th place - by Eurobasket News

Romania-Lithuania 50:87

Lithuania ended up on the 5th place at the 2013 University Games. The Baltic side overcame Romania 87:50 in the game for 5-6 places in Kazan. Lithuania started the game with a 5-0 run, while Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89, agency: Alti Sport) closed the quarter with 6 consecutive points for 18:7 lead. Lithuania added 25-15 rally in the second frame and enjoyed a 43:22 halftime advantage. Moreover Lithuania increased the lead to 29 points after three quarters when Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) scored for 63:34. The Baltic side led 43 points midway through the last frame but was satisfied with the final 87:50 win. Adomas Drungilas top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Sarunas Vasiliauskas tallied 14. Vytenis Lipkevicius (197-F-89) notched 13, while Vytenis Cizauskas (190-SG-92) added 12. Bogdan Tibirna (210-C-91) replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Adrian Gutoaia (198-C-90, agency: Court Side) had 7. TOROK Rolland and Iulian Orbeanu (204-C-91) brought 6 points each in a loss.

Turkey snatched a narrow win over Lithuania on the second day of the Second Stage at the U20 European Championship. The victory propelled Turkey at 3-1 record, while Lithuania fell at 2-2 record in Group E. Turkey gained a 14:10 lead after the opening stanza. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Turkey enjoyed a 27:22 halftime advantage. Turkey kept the Baltic team at bay throughout the third period. Lithuania scored just 4 points in the quarter to face a 9-point deficit before the final stanza. The margin grew at 12-point mark midway through the fourth term. Lithuania managed to narrow the gap late in regulation but never threatened the Turkish lead. Samet Geyik (205-PF-93) chipped in 21 points to lead the winners. Erbil Eroglu (194-PG-93) added 10 points, while Berkay Candan (205-SF-93) and Ramazan Tekin (214-C-93) added 7 points each for Turkey. Vaidas Kariniauskas (197-SF-93) answered with 9 points for Lithuania. Ignas Vaitkus (189-SF-93) had 8 points in the loss.

Luxembourg keep Slovakia winless at the U20 European Championship. Luxembourg earned the initial 62:51 win in Pitesti and improved to 1-3 record. Slovakia meanwhile fell at 0-4 record. Both teams entered the game winless and desired the initial win. Slovak Republic opened the game with 20:18 lead and added 12-8 rally in the second frame. Luxembourg however dominated the second half and posted two important victories. They won the third period 15-9 and finished the game with 21-10 run. Alex Laurent (196-PF-93) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Tom Welter (184-G-93) netted 18. Gilles Polfer (188-SG-93) and Bob Melcher (189-G-94) scored 8 points each. Michal Cekovsky (210-F-94) ended up with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Peter Mesarc (193-F-93) had 8. Oliver Tot (198-PG-94) and Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) brought 6 points each in a win.

Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (ProA) landed naturalized Mali forward Bandja Sy (203-97kg, agency: Fusion Sports). He just graduated from New Mexico State University (NCAA). In 36 games he averaged 12.0ppg, 7.4rpg and 1.4apg last season. He helped them to win WAC Tournament. It was a very successful season in his career as he was selected to All-WAC 1st Team.As mentioned above Sy is just out of the college and it will be his first season in pro basketball.He has played previously for another French team High School.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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MEXICO

2013 University Games: Mexico overcame Germany, as both teams farewell to Kazan - by Eurobasket News

Germany-Mexico 64:71

Mexico overcame Germany, as both teams farewell to Kazan. Mexico finished on the 11th spot after a 71:64 win at the 2013 University Games. Both teams entered Miras Sports Complex in order to win their last game. Mexico posted a 20-18 run in the first period, while Germany replied with 16-11 rally in the second frame. The third period was decisive in the game as Mexico exploded with 30-16 burst and never looked behind after. The European team managed to win the last stanza 14-10, but reduced to final 7 points. Juan Ramirez (195-F-91) paced all the winners with 17 points and Ricardo Calatayud (182-PG-92) followed him with 15. Jesus Felix (194-F-90) brought 13 points and Fernando Benitez (204-F/C-89) had 12. Ole Wendt (190-PG-92) notched 16 points for Germany and Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (208-C-90, agency: Court Side) had 13. Florian Koch (197-SF-92) scored 12, and MOENNINGHOFF Mathis added 9.

Moldovan U18 National Team earned victory in the opening day of the U18 European Championship in Division C. They eked out a narrow one-point win over Wales in Andorra. Vladislav Solopa (202-F-95) provided 23 points, 12 boards and 7 assists for the winners. Moldova unleashed 30 points in the first period to take an 8-point advantage. But Wales adjusted their defence and slowed down their opponents. The Welsh team cut the deficit at 3-point mark at halftime 44:47. Wales erased the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the fourth period tied at 67. Wales enjoyed an 82:81 lead with just over a minute remaining in regulation. But Vladislav Solopa hit two free throws in the reminder of the contest and sealed the win for Moldova. Vladislav Golban (195-F-95) delivered 21 points, while Piotr Liulenov (185-G-95) had 12 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Daniel Walsh (185-G-95) answered with 20 points for Wales. James Cameron (200-C-95) had 19 points and 11 boards in the loss.

Monaco registered the first win at the U18 European Championship in Division C. They held off Gibraltar in Andorra. Hugo Tata (180-G-96) nailed 22 points to lead the winners. Monaco erupted for 28 points in the first period and gained a 12-point lead. Gibraltar cut the deficit in the second period. They got within 8 points at halftime 39:31. But Monaco stiffened defensively in the third term. They held Gibraltar at 12 points in the third quarter and gained a 9-point lead at the final intermission. Gibraltar tried hard to bounce back in the fourth term but came up short of victory at the end. Daniel Pieper (185-F-96) provided 15 points and 11 boards for Monaco. Alessandro Generale (185-C-96) had 13 points in the victory. Timothy Fava (176-G-97) answered with 18 points for Gibraltar. Jake Haefner (185-G/F-97) netted 9 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the loss.

2013 University Games: Czech Republic closed the campaign with the win over Mongolia - by Eurobasket News

Mongolia-Czech Republic 80:94

Czech Republic closed the campaign with the win over Mongolia at the 2013 University Games. Czech Republic produced a 94:80 victory for the 15th place at the tournament. Mongolia finished the tournament on the 16th position.Both teams did their best to finish on a high note. Czech Republic started the game with 18-17 lead and added 24-22 before the halftime. The European side also posted a 31-25 rally in the third quarter and finished the game with 21-16 end. Michal Mares (192-G/F-92) paced all the winners with 21 points and Viktor Cvek (200-C-89) nailed 14. Martin Gniadek (201-F/C-90) and Adam Ciz (190-PG-91) delivered 12 points each, while Jan Jiricek (203-F-90) had 10. Sanchir Tungalag (188-G-89) answered with 26 points in defeat and Munkhtuvshin Davaadorj (189-SG-89) had 14. Bilguun Battuvshin (197-F-89) brought 13, whilst Gansukh Avarzed (191-G-92) chipped in with 8.

American scoring point guard Jay-R Strowbridge (183-PG-88, college: Oregon) signed a contract with Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany ProA) and will play in Lower Saxony next season for what will be his second stint in German Basketball. The point guard previously played for EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany, BBL) for 8 games during the 2011/2012 season.

Last season the 25 year old American played with CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca (Romania, Liga Nationala) and KK Danilovgrad (Erste Basketball League). With Danilovgrad Stowbridge played 10 games and averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals per game.

Greece earned the sixth straight win at the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Montenegro to improve at 4-0 record on top of Group E. Ioannis Papapetrou (203-SF-94) finished with 17 points to lead the winners. Montenegro slipped at 1-3 record after the defeat. Greece earned a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They held Montenegro to just 7 points in the second frame and registered an 11-point halftime lead 30:19. The Hellenes went on a stunning 29:7 run in the third term to clear off. They entered the final period up by 33 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo (208-G/F-94, agency: FCM) produced 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Dimitrios Agravanis (208-PF-94, agency: FCM) added 11 points for the winners. Vukota Pavic (203-C-93, agency: Dynamics Global Management) answered with 12 points for Montenegro. Milija Mikovic (205-C-94) netted 10 points in the loss.

Utah Jazz have new D-League affiliation with Bakersfield Jam - by Eurobasket News

After just one year as the Reno Bighorns' partners, the Utah Jazz are switching allegiances in the D-League. So long, "The Biggest Little City in the World." Hello, Bakersfield, Calif. The NBA and its Development League announced today that the Jazz will be affiliated with the Bakersfield Jam for the 2013-14 season. Utah needed a new affiliate after the Sacramento Kings bought the rights to be the Bighorns' sole partner. For those having a hard time keeping track of the Jazz's D-League teams, the Jam will be the franchise's fifth different affiliation since 2005. Utah has previously been associated with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (2005-06), Idaho Stampede (2006-07 and 2011-12), Utah Flash (2007-11) and Reno Bighorns (2012-13). The Jam, who play at Dignity Health Events Center, are a popular D-League squad. They will also be affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors this season. Utah has called up 10 different D-League players over the years, including guard Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette), who finished the 2012-13 season with the Jazz after playing with the Jam. He remains on the Jazz's roster with a nonguaranteed contract after playing with the team in the Orlando Pro Summer League. Courtesy of: deseretnews.com

Houston Rockets sign Henriquez just out of college - by Eurobasket News (T)

Houston Rockets (NBA) signed 24-year old naturalized Panamanian forward Jordan Henriquez (211-113kg-89). He just graduated from Kansas State University (NCAA). In 33 games he had 5.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.9bpg last season. He helped them to make it to the final.Henriquez has never been drafted by the NBA.As mentioned above he is just out of the college and it will be his first season as a pro. Henriquez was voted Big 12 All-Defensive Team in 2012 at his college time.

By Eurobasket Data Center

The Raptors released Linas Kleiza - by Eurobasket News (T)

Toronto Raptors released 28-year old Lithuanian international small forward Linas Kleiza (203-113kg-85, college: Missouri). Kleiza played there also last season. In 20 NBA games he had 7.4ppg and 2.6rpg.In 2005 he was drafted by Portland Trail Blazers in first round (27 th overall). Kleiza attended University of Missouri. It is his ninth season in pro basketball. Kleiza was also voted Eurobasket.com All-Olympic Games Honorable Mention in 2008 and 2012. His team won Greek Cup in 2010.He has been also a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. Kleiza has regularly played for since 2006 and previously for U21 National Team back in 2003. He represented Lithuania at the Olympic Games in London (United Kingdon) last year. His stats at that event were 6 games: 13.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 78.6%.Kleiza has played previously professionally in other NBA team (Denver Nuggets) and Greece (Olympiacos).He could be described: For his age, he has a very powerful build. He is all about hustle and laying it on the line. He has good quickness in the half-court.Big, strong Lithuanian who led Lithuanian U-16 NT in 2001 European U-16 championship and was the best scorer and rebounder in championship with 21.7 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. Enjoys the physical battle inside despite his size. Plays with good intensity. Very strong under the basket and also has touch around the basket. Can hit the medium range jumper. Has great hands, and superb upper body strength. Was pretty dominant in Junior competitions and even has played at center, but if he stops growing he will face some problems adjusting to Senior competitions, as he lacks size to become a top PF.World Championships U18 '03 comments (by Yarone Arbel):The best scorer, and the best 2FG% shooter, of the championship, is coming from Lithuania, and as many other players in the history and present of Lithuanian basketball he moved to the USA to play in High School and continue to college. The combination of the European basics in Lithuania, and the side dish of the athletic USA style surely give good results. Kleiza is a very good example. When needed he takes the game on him, and just does whatever he wishes. A true winner that knows to elevate his game when it matters. Constantly fighting on court. One year younger than the generation that played in the Championship, so keep that in mind too. 42 pts and 10 rbs in the SF qualifying match vs. Puerto Rico, 27 pts, 13 rbs, 4 st and 3 bl in the huge win over Greece in the Semi Finals. He has a strong body and he uses it very well. With only 203 cm it's hard to see him make it to the NBA as a power forward, but in Europe he will be great in that wherever needed. If he becomes a bigger threat from downtown, improve his dribbling skills and work on his quickness, or in other words become more of a Small Forward, the NBA option will be much closer. He has a very consistent mid-range shot, can play facing the basket and post up. Most of the teams didn't know how to handle him. Give him the ball in the paint and he will use his strong body to nail the 2 points. Stop his penetration and he can stop and nail a mid-range shot. Timing and good position helps him a lot to his rebounding skills, when there's almost no difference between his offense and defense rebounding skills. Both equally good.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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NCAA1

2013 University Games: USA rout Finland for the final 9th position - by Eurobasket News

USA-Finland 97:70

USA rout Finland for the final 9th position at the 2013 University Games. One of the favorites posted a 97:70 victory in their last game of the campaign. It was not the Classification Round the USA dreamt to play in. The team could not make it to the Quarterfinals and desired however to finish on a high note. USA started the game with 25-20 lead and erupted with 27-6 surge in the second frame. Moreover USA posted a 20-18 rally in the third quarter, while Finland replied with 26-25 run in the last stanza. Will Sheehey (6'7''-F-92) stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Adreian Payne (6'10''-C-91) delivered 13. Aaron White (6'8''-F-92) brought 12 and Kevin Ferrell (6'0''-G-93) scored 11. Finland got 18 points from Carl Lindbom (6'9''-F-91), while Antto Nikkarinen (6'1''-PG-91, agency: Blacktop Management) netted 10. Roope Ahonen (6'1''-G-90, agency: FCM) posted 9 points and Jesse Niemi (6'4''-F/G-90) added 8 in a loss.

The Tall Blacks 2013 international campaign was this morning dealt a major blow with the news that Lindsay Tait (190-G-82, agency: Duran International) has a fractured hand. The injury means that Tait will miss the trip to China and the series against Australia. Head coach Nenad Vucinic has now been robbed of his two premier back court players, Kirk Penney having already made himself unavailable for selection.With exciting prospect Tai Webster fulfilling university obligations in the US, the onus will now fall heavily on Corey Webster and Jarrod Kenny to provide the on court leadership for the upcoming games.

Part of Dwight Howard's complicated departure from the Lakers involves the fact that he didn't have any strong relationships there. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though unquestionably one of the greatest players of all time, has a complicaed history with the team and has never really been the ambassador the likes of say, Bill Russell. Shaquille O'Neal and Howard... yeah, that's not going to work.

So there was no real chord to tie him to the team emotionally, no one who could understand the life of a big man in the NBA.

No one like Hakeem Olajuwon.

Howard has been working out with "The Dream" for years in Houston, and Olajuwon was part of the pitch meeting Houston put together for Howard. And now, he's joinng the team in an official capacity for the first time since he was a player.

Olajuwon will rejoin the Rockets in an official capacity for the first time since he last played for Houston in 2001 as a mentor to the team's interior players, or in other words, newly signed center Dwight Howard (and Omer Asik, too).

...

Olajuwon's duties and title are still being discussed, but according to Rockets GM Daryl Morey, there is mutual interest to get a deal done to bring one of the most popular players in team history back to Houston officially.

"We are going to bring him in as full-time as is possible. It's not done, but we have mutual interest to get it done, and we've had some early discussions," Morey told the Houston Chronicle. "We want him to work with Dwight and Omer, and he wants to do that."

via Rockets to hire Olajuwon to work with Howard.

It's a foundational move more than anything. Olajuwon can identify with what Howard goes through every game, and can help him on both ends of the floor. There's no magical reworking of Howard's game, he's not going to suddenly dominate in the post. (Howard's post game is widely debated and a subject of discussion for another time. Short-story: It's good, not great, certainly not elite nor terrible.)

There's no big transformation, but Olajuwon can help him in small ways, and keep him focused and engaged. More than anything, though, Olajuwon is someone Howard can trust. And much by his own design, he hasn't really had that in over two years.

culled from CBSSports.com

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NORWAY

2013 University Games: Norway ended up on 13th place - by Eurobasket News

Norway -South Korea 79:77

Norway ended up on 13th place at the 2013 University Games. They needed a final 79:77 win over South Korea in their last game of the tournament. Norway started the game with 24:17 lead and added 21-13 rally in the second period. Stian Mjos (182-PG-89) gave his team 19-point advantage, however Norway hardly escaped with the win. South Korea erupted with a 17-2 surge as HAN Ho Bin reduced to 47:43 early in the third. Norway again pushed the tempo and reached 73:60 with 5 minutes to go. South Korea could not take the lead in the game and managed only to reduce to 79:77. Stian Mjos and Magne Fivelstad (198-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 16 points each, while Anders Stien (195-G-90) notched 14. Karamo Jawara (201-F-91) collected 10 points and 12 rebounds in a win. DOO Kyung Min answered with 29 points in the losing effort and JEON Seong Hyen had 17. LEE Dae Heon brought 11, whilst HAN Ho Bin notched 9.

Houston Rockets sign Henriquez just out of college - by Eurobasket News (T)

Houston Rockets (NBA) signed 24-year old naturalized Panamanian forward Jordan Henriquez (211-113kg-89). He just graduated from Kansas State University (NCAA). In 33 games he had 5.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.9bpg last season. He helped them to make it to the final.Henriquez has never been drafted by the NBA.As mentioned above he is just out of the college and it will be his first season as a pro. Henriquez was voted Big 12 All-Defensive Team in 2012 at his college time.

Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93) nailed 37 points to keep Great Britain undefeated at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Great Britain beat Poland 83:74 for 4-0 record. Poland meanwhile suffered their first loss and dropped at 3-1 record. Both teams entered the game undefeated and desired to add another victory. Poland won the first period 27:24, but Great Britain needed a 27-15 surge in the second frame to take 51:42 halftime advantage. Poland managed to win the third period as Trojan reduced to 58:56 after three quarters. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G/F-93) and Karolak gave Poland 64:63 lead, but their teams could not post the victory. Nick Lewis (190-G-93) scored 20 points and Joe Hart (194-G/F-93) nailed 11. Zak Wells (213-C-93) followed them with 6 points. Mateusz Ponitka finished the game with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Przemyslaw Karnowski (216-C-93) collected 20 points and 13 rebounds. Sebastian Kowalczyk (190-PG-93) and Tomasz Gielo (206-F-93) scored 6 points each.

The product of Harvard University, where he had a chance to play together with Jeremy Lin has not impressive size like for a center but he is very athletic and has lot of potential to be used by Andrej Urlep who is well known as defensive minded strategist.

The new addition of Panters played 5 games for Dallas Mavericks in the Summer League in 2012 and averaged 3.4 points and 2.8 rebounds.He spent last season in Uppsala Basket in Sweden with average of 14.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks per game.

It could be the last foreign player in Slupsk with tested Simo Atanackovic (206-F-90) beig on a question mark situation.

2013 EYOF: Germany cruise past Poland - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16 - Poland U16 57:41

Germany U16 opened their European Youth Olympic Festival tournament campaign with victory. They rallied past the Polish counterparts. Tibor Taras (188-SG-97) stepped up with 16 points for the winning side. Germany led by a single point after ten minutes 11:10. They eked out a 28:26 halftime lead. Germany managed to deepen the distance in the third quarter. They held Poland to just 7 points in the period accumulating a 38:33 buffer before the fourth term. Germany exploded with a 19:8 run in the final period and sealed the victory. Erwin-Ngueffe Nkemazon (203-C-97) had 7 points and 11 boards, while Marcel Theodor Kessen (201-F/C-97) added 7 points for the winners. Marcel Ponitka (187-PG-97) answered with 11 points for Poland. Jakub Mijakowski (184-G-97) chipped in 9 points in the defeat.

U20 European Championship: Portugal beat Holland to tie both records at 2-2 - by Eurobasket News

Holland U20-Portugal U20 63:72

Portugal beat Holland to tie both records at 2-2 at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Portuguese team grabbed a 72:63 win in Pitesti. Portugal won the first period 23:19 and added massive 26-14 rally in the second frame. No matter how hard the Dutch team tried to recover they could not catch up with the opponents. Holland won the third period 13-11 and finished the game with 17-12 run. Portugal led 20 points with less than 5 minutes to go, but Holland closed the game with a 9-0 run for the final result. Pedro Bastos (186-PG-94) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Henrique Piedade (189-SF-94) as well as Joao Ribeiro (201-PF-93) had 12 each. Jonah Callenbach (194-F/G-93) followed them with 10 points. Yannick Van Der Ark (193-G/F-93) and Dexter Hope (185-PG-93) scored 13 points each in defeat, while Kevin Bleeker (208-C-93) had 10. Roel Aarts (201-PF-93) scored 9 points for the Dutch side.

Puerto Rican National Team to begin practices on July 23 - by Luis Modestti

The Puerto Rican Senior National Team is set to begin their practices on July 23 at Roberto Clemente Coliseum as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifier in Caracas, Venezuela.

Some of the players expected for the first week are Edwin Ubiles, John Holland, Carlos Lopez-Sosa (211-F-90) and some who finished in BSN. The team will be coached by Flor Melendez and his assistants are Carlos Morales and Leo Arill.

Puerto Rico has some warm-up games in August and later plays at Tuto Marchand Cup from August 22-26 in San Juan. Then they travel to Venezuela for the World Cup Qualifier that begins on August 30.

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ROMANIA

U20 European Championship: Hungary beat the hosts in Day 4 - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U20-Romania U20 65:53

Hungary beat the hosts in Day 4 of the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Hungarian side improved to 3-1 record in Group A after a 65:53 win over Romania. The hosts meanwhile fell at 1-3 record. Pitesti saw an early push of the home side as Romania won the first period 21:15. Hungary meanwhile dominated the rest of the game and posted three victories in three other quarters. Luka Markovic (197-F/G-93) tied the game at 25:25 and Rosco Allen (216-PF-93) gave Hungary 34:32 halftime advantage. Trailing 38:42 with 5 minutes to go in the third period, Hungary kept the hosts scoreless until the end of the quarter and finished the frame with a 9-0 run. Luka Markovic brought 51:42 early in the last stanza and then Hungary managed to keep the victory. Rosco Allen top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Luka Markovic netted 14. Laszlo Dobos (220-C-93, agency: FCM) collected 8 points and 12 rebounds, while Marton Varga (205-F/C-94) also scored 8. Alexandru Olah (213-C-93) answered with 17 points in the losing effort. Vlad Stoicoviciu (190-SG-94) had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Mario Lazar (201-PF-94) notched 7.

SCM CSU Craiova (Liga Nationala) re-signed 28-year old international center Ionut Dragusin (221-130kg-85). He played there last season. In 31 Liga Nationala games he recorded 11.0ppg, 8.3rpg (#3 in the league) and 2.1bpg. Great season indeed as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Domestic Player of the Year and voted to 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game.The previous (11-12) season Dragusin played at Gaz Metan. In 33 Liga Nationala games he averaged 7.4ppg and 4.8rpg that season. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals.Among other achievements Dragusin's team won Romanian Cup in 2011. He received also Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Most Improved Player of the Year award back in 2009.Dragusin has been also a member of Romanian international program for some years. He has regularly played for since 2005 and previously for University National Team in 2009. Dragusin represented Romania at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 8 games: 9.3ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 57.7%, FT: 51.9%.Dragusin has played also professionally in Italy, Spain (Tenerife, Vic and Gipuzkoa) and Romania (CS Dinamo Bucuresti, S.Studentesc, Brasov and Pitesti).

CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca (Liga Nationala) strengthened their roster with addition of 32-year old Serbian forward Ivan Kuburovic (203-81). He played most recently at SAV Vacallo in Swiss LNA league, but the team folded in Feb.'13. In 12 games he recorded very impressive stats: 17.5ppg, 7.1rpg and 2.8apg last season.His team made it to the Swiss Final Four.The previous (11-12) season Kuburovic played at Sloboda (A League) in Serbia. In 23 games he averaged 14.2ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.2apg and 1.6spg that season.Kuburovic is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Bosnia (Igokea), Greece (Kavala), Israel (Ironi Ashkelon), Poland (Sportino and KK Swiecie), Ukraine (Cherkasy) and Serbia (KK Zdravlje 09 Leskovac).

By Eurobasket Data Center

2013 University Games: Lithuania ended up on the 5th place - by Eurobasket News

Romania-Lithuania 50:87

Lithuania ended up on the 5th place at the 2013 University Games. The Baltic side overcame Romania 87:50 in the game for 5-6 places in Kazan. Lithuania started the game with a 5-0 run, while Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89, agency: Alti Sport) closed the quarter with 6 consecutive points for 18:7 lead. Lithuania added 25-15 rally in the second frame and enjoyed a 43:22 halftime advantage. Moreover Lithuania increased the lead to 29 points after three quarters when Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) scored for 63:34. The Baltic side led 43 points midway through the last frame but was satisfied with the final 87:50 win. Adomas Drungilas top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Sarunas Vasiliauskas tallied 14. Vytenis Lipkevicius (197-F-89) notched 13, while Vytenis Cizauskas (190-SG-92) added 12. Bogdan Tibirna (210-C-91) replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Adrian Gutoaia (198-C-90, agency: Court Side) had 7. TOROK Rolland and Iulian Orbeanu (204-C-91) brought 6 points each in a loss.

CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca (Liga Nationala) signed 23-year old American forward Josh Sparks (205-91kg-90, agency: GameTime Management). He just graduated from Valdosta State University (NCAA2). In 29 games he had 13.5ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg and 3.4bpg last season. He helped them to make it to the final. A very impressive season as he was named to All-GSC 2nd Team and GSC All-Tournament Team.As mentioned above Sparks is just out of the college and it will be his first season as a pro.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Craiova keeps Dragusin for another season - by Eurobasket News (T)

SCM CSU Craiova (Liga Nationala) re-signed 28-year old international center Ionut Dragusin (221-130kg-85). He played there last season. In 31 Liga Nationala games he recorded 11.0ppg, 8.3rpg (#3 in the league) and 2.1bpg. Great season indeed as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Domestic Player of the Year and voted to 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game.The previous (11-12) season Dragusin played at Gaz Metan. In 33 Liga Nationala games he averaged 7.4ppg and 4.8rpg that season. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals.Among other achievements Dragusin's team won Romanian Cup in 2011. He received also Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Most Improved Player of the Year award back in 2009.Dragusin has been also a member of Romanian international program for some years. He has regularly played for since 2005 and previously for University National Team in 2009. Dragusin represented Romania at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 8 games: 9.3ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 57.7%, FT: 51.9%.Dragusin has played also professionally in Italy, Spain (Tenerife, Vic and Gipuzkoa) and Romania (CS Dinamo Bucuresti, S.Studentesc, Brasov and Pitesti).

Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd set to join VTB League for the next season. The Russian Superleague 2012 debutant is ready for another debut.In year 2012/2013 the team finished Superleague with 10-18 record, but looks very confident before the start of the new season. The sources sent Lavrinovic brothers to the teams as well as some more loud transfers. Krasny Oktyabr can get a wild card because of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas absence. The latter will not participate in the next season of VTB League. The Kaunas team has withdrawn from the League citing a tight schedule as the main reason for the move. Last season B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas won the VTB League regular season. They finished at 16-2 record. The Kaunas team lost to Lokomotiv Kuban in the semifinal series then.

Unics Kazan tab Tywain McKee - by Eurobasket News (T)

Unics Kazan bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Tywain McKee (188-PG-86, college: Coppin St.). The guard is not new to Russia. He spent the last three seasons with Triumph. Last season Tywain McKee notched 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game in PBL. In VTB League the guard delivered 13.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.0 steals per appearance. He also tallied 17.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game. McKee was named All-Russian PBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. The guard was trumped All-Baltic League Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Previously Tywain McKee had stints in Belarus and Australia. He made it into All-Australian NBL 1st Team in 2010. Next season McKee was named into All-Belarusian League 1st Team.

U20 European Championship: Russia post second straight win in Group F - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20 - Slovenia U20 88:69

Russia claimed the second consecutive win at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Slovenia to gain 2-2 record in Group F. Slovenia on the other hand suffered the second straight defeat and slipped at 1-3 record. Denis Zakharov (193-PG-93) came up with 20 points to pace the winners. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first period. Slovenia and Russia entered the second quarter tied at 19-all. Russia stepped on the gas in the second period. They exploded with 25 points to gain a 44:37 halftime lead. Russia took off in the third term. They went on a 23:14 run to ensure a comfortable 16-point lead at the final intermission 67:51. Russia poured in 21 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Vladislav Trushkin (200-SF-93) nailed 15 points, while Maksym Sakharov (196-G-93) added 14 points for the winning side. Ziga Dimec (212-C-93) and Miha Lapornik (196-SG-93) tossed in 14 points apiece in the loss.

Serbian U16 National Team victoriously opened their European Youth Olympic Festival tournament campaign. They stunned Italy in the opener in Utrecht. Stefan Peno (193-SG-97) produced 15 points, 5 boards and 4 assists to lead the winning side. Serbia jumped to a 22:9 lead after the opening quarter. They stretched the gap in the second frame. Serbia piled up a 46:18 halftime advantage. The Balkan team dominated throughout the third term. They ensured a 69:33 lead at the final intermission. Serbia held Italy to just 10 points in the fourth frame and secured a comfortable win at the end. Vojislav Stojanovic (196-G-97) had 14 points, 7 boards and 5 assists, while Slobodan Jovanovic (192-SG-97, college: Regis Univ.) and David Miladinovic (205-C-97) chipped in 10 points each for the winners. Lorenzo Caroti (183-PG-97) answered with 7 points for Italy. Lusvarghi and Marco Timperi (188-G-97) netted 6 points apiece in the loss.

Serbia clinch Bronze at the 2013 University Games. The Balkan side overcame Canada 87:74 at the 2013 University Games. Two years ago both teams faced each other in the Final game. Serbia regained the World University Games title. They prevailed against Canada 68:55 in the championship game in Shenzhen. Mladen Jeremic stepped up with 17 points to lead the charge. Today the teams played for the Bronze medals. Serbia won the first period 24:16 and added 23-21 lead in the second frame. Canada however replied with a 26-14 surge and EJIM Melvin tied the game at 57:57. Dwight Powell (208-F-91) made it 70:70, but Serbia erupted with a 17-4 surge to seal the victory.Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Ivan Smiljanic (199-F-89) nailed 13. Milos Dimic (195-G-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Stefan Zivanovic (196-G-89) posted 9 points each. Dwight Powell answered with 12 points in defeat and Thomas Scrubb (196-F-91) netted 11. Daniel Mullings (188-G-91) brought 10, while Philip Scrubb (190-G-92) had 9.

According to Sports news management of Galatasaray make agreement with Serbina power forward Zoran Erceg (210-PF-85). After one season in CSKA Moscow Erceg decides to returns to Turkey and joins other Serbian power forward Milan Macvan. Next season Galagasaray will play Euroleague and before Erceg, Galatasaray extends contract with Carlos Arayo. Last season Zoran Erceg had bad injury and had break of almost 5 months. On 15 games in Euroleague Erceg average scored 6.2 points, 2.5 boards, on 16 games in VTB league average scored 7.1 points, 1.8 boards and on 6 games in Russian league average scored 3.7 points and 1.0 board per game. Zoran Erceg was on the list of potential candidates for Serbian National team, but after advices from Medical team he decides to take break this summer. Zoran Erceg started career in Polet Keramika Novi Becej, played for Borac Cacak, FMP Zeleznik, Olympiacos, Besiktas and CSKA Moscow. Zoran Erceg was member of Serbia and Montenegro U18, U20 and Serbian senior National team.

CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca (Liga Nationala) strengthened their roster with addition of 32-year old Serbian forward Ivan Kuburovic (203-81). He played most recently at SAV Vacallo in Swiss LNA league, but the team folded in Feb.'13. In 12 games he recorded very impressive stats: 17.5ppg, 7.1rpg and 2.8apg last season.His team made it to the Swiss Final Four.The previous (11-12) season Kuburovic played at Sloboda (A League) in Serbia. In 23 games he averaged 14.2ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.2apg and 1.6spg that season.Kuburovic is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Bosnia (Igokea), Greece (Kavala), Israel (Ironi Ashkelon), Poland (Sportino and KK Swiecie), Ukraine (Cherkasy) and Serbia (KK Zdravlje 09 Leskovac).

Serbia clinched the third straight win at the U20 European Championship. They defeated Israel to improve at 2-0 record in Group G. Israell fell at 1-1 record in the ladder. Ivan Marinkovic (209-PF-93) came up with 15 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners. Serbia eked out an 18:16 lead after the opening quarter. They boosted the gap in the second frame. The Balkan team accumulated a 36:28 halftime advantage. Israel finally found the right rhythm in the third quarter. They went on a 19:14 rally and cut the deficit 3 points at the final break. Serbia however limited their opponents to just 15 points in the fourth stanza and raced to the win at the end. Luka Mitrovic (205-PF-93) and Nenad Miljenovic (193-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 11 points apiece for the winners. Tom Maayan (188-PG-93) answered with 11 points for Israel. Egor Koulechov (195-F-94) topscored with 16 points and 13 boards in the loss.

U20 European Championship: Second win for Serbia in Classification round - by Ivan Milenkovic

After three defeats at the start of the European Championship, Serbian U20 national team is on a three-game winning streak. Unfortunately for them, these wins are coming too late, after elimination from battle for medals. In second round of Group G of Classification round (places 13-20), Serbia defeated Israel 66-62 (18-16, 18-12, 14-19, 16-15). Israel led 12-7 after 7 minutes and 16-11 with minute to go in first quarter, but Vladimir Jovanovic's players scored 7 points in final 58 seconds of this period to take 16-18 lead. After 18-18, Serbia used 0-8 run to lead 18-26 in 14th minute. Their biggest lead was 23-34 in 17th minute after 0-6 run middle through second quarter. In the beginning of second half, Serbia managed to keep their nice lead, it was 39-49 in 27th minute and 41-50 in 29th minute. However, Israel played much better in final minute of third quarter and was only three points down after 30 minutes (47-50) thanks to 6-0 run. In opening three minutes of final period, only Israelis scored two points. But, Serbia answered with 0-7 run in minute and a half and had nice 49-57 lead with 5:31 minutes remaining. Israel managed to reduce deficit to 54-57, 56-59 and 60-62 with 75 seconds to go, but Serbians managed to keep their lead and win. Once again, Serbian team had many turnovers (25) and shot only 15.4% from beyond the arc, but had 61.8% for two points and 46 rebounds. Ivan Marinkovic (209-PF-93) was the best player in Serbian team, with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Luka Mitrovic scored 11 points and added 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers, Nenad Miljenovic had 11 points and 6 turnovers, while Mladen Djordjevic added 10 points.

Luxembourg keep Slovakia winless at the U20 European Championship. Luxembourg earned the initial 62:51 win in Pitesti and improved to 1-3 record. Slovakia meanwhile fell at 0-4 record. Both teams entered the game winless and desired the initial win. Slovak Republic opened the game with 20:18 lead and added 12-8 rally in the second frame. Luxembourg however dominated the second half and posted two important victories. They won the third period 15-9 and finished the game with 21-10 run. Alex Laurent (196-PF-93) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Tom Welter (184-G-93) netted 18. Gilles Polfer (188-SG-93) and Bob Melcher (189-G-94) scored 8 points each. Michal Cekovsky (210-F-94) ended up with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Peter Mesarc (193-F-93) had 8. Oliver Tot (198-PG-94) and Vladimir Brodziansky (206-PF-94) brought 6 points each in a win.

U20 European Championship: Russia post second straight win in Group F - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20 - Slovenia U20 88:69

Russia claimed the second consecutive win at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. They knocked down Slovenia to gain 2-2 record in Group F. Slovenia on the other hand suffered the second straight defeat and slipped at 1-3 record. Denis Zakharov (193-PG-93) came up with 20 points to pace the winners. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first period. Slovenia and Russia entered the second quarter tied at 19-all. Russia stepped on the gas in the second period. They exploded with 25 points to gain a 44:37 halftime lead. Russia took off in the third term. They went on a 23:14 run to ensure a comfortable 16-point lead at the final intermission 67:51. Russia poured in 21 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Vladislav Trushkin (200-SF-93) nailed 15 points, while Maksym Sakharov (196-G-93) added 14 points for the winning side. Ziga Dimec (212-C-93) and Miha Lapornik (196-SG-93) tossed in 14 points apiece in the loss.

2013 University Games: Norway ended up on 13th place - by Eurobasket News

Norway -South Korea 79:77

Norway ended up on 13th place at the 2013 University Games. They needed a final 79:77 win over South Korea in their last game of the tournament. Norway started the game with 24:17 lead and added 21-13 rally in the second period. Stian Mjos (182-PG-89) gave his team 19-point advantage, however Norway hardly escaped with the win. South Korea erupted with a 17-2 surge as HAN Ho Bin reduced to 47:43 early in the third. Norway again pushed the tempo and reached 73:60 with 5 minutes to go. South Korea could not take the lead in the game and managed only to reduce to 79:77. Stian Mjos and Magne Fivelstad (198-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 16 points each, while Anders Stien (195-G-90) notched 14. Karamo Jawara (201-F-91) collected 10 points and 12 rebounds in a win. DOO Kyung Min answered with 29 points in the losing effort and JEON Seong Hyen had 17. LEE Dae Heon brought 11, whilst HAN Ho Bin notched 9.

Spain clinched a confident win over France at the Second Stage of the U20 European Championship. The victory allowed Spain gain 2-2 record in Group F. France suffered the second consecutive defeat and slipped at 1-3 record. Spain stayed dominant throughout the first quarter. They recorded a 17:7 lead after ten minutes. France stopped the rot in the second period. They got within 7 points at halftime 29:22. But Spain regained control in the third term. They exploded with 23 points to secure a 14-point lead before the fourth term. Spain dropped 18 points in the final stanza and sealed a comfortable victory at the end. Guillem Vives (191-PG-93) nailed 16 points and issued 7 assists for the winners. Daniel Diez (203-F-93) added 15 points for Spain. Alexandre Chassang (202-PF-94), Hugo Invernizzi (196-SF-93) and Mouhammadou Jaiteh (205-C-94, agency: Fusion Sports) had 11 points each for France.

UCAM Murcia CB (Liga Endesa) confirmed in their roster 46-year old coach Oscar Quintana (agency: Interperformances). Quintana's team was regular season runner-up in Spanish LEB Gold in 2009.He was coaching Spanish U20 National Team back in 2004.Quintana has coached previously another Spanish team Baloncesto Fuenlabrada.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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SWEDEN

2013 University Games: Sweden rout Japan in the last day opener - by Eurobasket News

Sweden-Japan 62:50

Sweden rout Japan in the last day opener of the 2013 University Games. The Scandinavian team posted a 62:50 win to finish on the 17th place. Sweden opened the game with 16-6 lead and never looked behind after. The European team added 17-15 rally in the second period and led 12 points at the halftime. Japan managed to score the same number of points with the opponents in the second half. Both teams posted 15 points in the third period and ended up with 14 points apiece. Gustav Sundstrom (197-G-91) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Chris Czerapowicz (201-G-91) nailed 16. Alexander Lindqvist (205-F-91) poured in 8, while Sebastian Norman (206-F-92) added 6. Kengo Nomoto (196-F-92) replied with 16 points in defeat and Taku Bandoh (185-G-92) brought 15. Seiji Ikaruga (185-G-94) netted 7 and Kebin Hareyama (191-F-93) brought 5.

Sweden snapped three-game losing skid at the U20 European Championship. They beat Estonia to improve at 1-1 record in classification round Group H. Both teams are now tied at the second position in the ladder. The hosts confidently opened the game. Estonia ensured a 23:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The hosts boosted the gap in the second frame. They accumulated a 42:32 halftime advantage. But the Scandinavian team turned things around in the third term. They triggered a 25:12 rally to surge ahead. Estonia could not recover from the blow in the final period. They scored just 15 points and yielded at the end. Marcus Eriksson (200-SG-93) provided 24 points to lead Sweden. Jonathan Person (190-PG-93) added 16 points for the winning side. Rait-Riivo Laane (187-G-93) answered with 21 points for Estonia. Rauno Nurger (209-C-93) had 16 points in the loss.

Starwings Basket Regio Basel (LNA) signed 25-year old American power forward Travele Jones (203-88, college: Texas Southern). He played most recently at VOO Verviers-Pepinster in Belgian Ethias League, but left the team in Oct.'12. In two games he had 8.0ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.0spg last season. The previous (11-12) season Jones played at SAM Massagno. In 26 games he recorded very impressive stats: 16.8ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.8apg and 2.2spg (in top 4) that season.Jones graduated from Texas Southern University in 2011.

Switzerland sneak past Finland in Pitesti at the U20 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side improved to 2-2 record after a 94:88 overtime victory. Finland already fell at 1-3 record in Group B. Finland looked better in the first half and won first two quarters. At first Finland posted a 20:17 lead and then added a 27-23 rally. Switzerland needed a 24-19 come back in the third quarter and posted a 16-14 rally in the fourth period. Due to 14-8 in overtime Switzerland posted the second win at the tournament. Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Daniel Andjelkovic (200-PF-94) combined for 50 points and 24 rebounds. Arben Hoxha (182-PG-94) netted 14 and Marco Lehmann (185-SG-93) scored 10. Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) answered with 34 points in the losing effort and Joonas Lehtoranta (194-SG-94) netted 25. Julius Rajala (205-PF-94) collected 12 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Tommi Huolila (198-PF-93) had 12.

Turkey earned the first win at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht. They shot down hosting Netherlands for 1-0 record. Turkey used a 19:4 run in the second quarter to gain a 16-point halftime lead. Turkey kept Netherlands at bay throughout the third term. The visitors established a 51:30 lead heading into the fourth frame. Netherlands scored just 10 points in the final stanza and had to surrender at the end. Egehan Arna (192-G-97, agency: 1x1 Sports) nailed 15 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 4 assists to lead Turkey. Berkan Durmaz (197-F-97) finished with 11 points for the winning side. Menno Dijkstra (210-C-97) responded with 10 points for Netherlands. Bieshaar had 9 points in the loss.

Turkey snatched a narrow win over Lithuania on the second day of the Second Stage at the U20 European Championship. The victory propelled Turkey at 3-1 record, while Lithuania fell at 2-2 record in Group E. Turkey gained a 14:10 lead after the opening stanza. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Turkey enjoyed a 27:22 halftime advantage. Turkey kept the Baltic team at bay throughout the third period. Lithuania scored just 4 points in the quarter to face a 9-point deficit before the final stanza. The margin grew at 12-point mark midway through the fourth term. Lithuania managed to narrow the gap late in regulation but never threatened the Turkish lead. Samet Geyik (205-PF-93) chipped in 21 points to lead the winners. Erbil Eroglu (194-PG-93) added 10 points, while Berkay Candan (205-SF-93) and Ramazan Tekin (214-C-93) added 7 points each for Turkey. Vaidas Kariniauskas (197-SF-93) answered with 9 points for Lithuania. Ignas Vaitkus (189-SF-93) had 8 points in the loss.

Defending Champs Boys Dem Run Over Hoyas in NBBA Action - by David Edole

By Dave DavisThe defending champions Boys Dem took it to former five time champions Hoyas on Friday in the Ronald Charles gymnasium on the Central High campus, blowing them out by 31 points, 90-59, to literally complete the changing of the guards in St. Croix summer league basketball. The Boys Dem squad has grown up together and last year jelled into a championship team, while the Hoyas who reigned supreme for years in the league are looking more and more like an aged team on their way down the pecking order.

Boys Dem point guard, Kadeem Jones (94), got them off to a hot start as he lit up the nets for 10 first quarter points to help his team outscore the Hoyas, 23-15 in the opening period.

A 21-16 second quarter by the champs and the lead was 13 at the half at 44-31.

The Boys Dem lead would swell to as much as 20 points in the third period, but the old warriors that are the Hoyas, battled back to get to within eight just past the midway point of the quarter. This prompt coach Keith Zoro Swanston called a timeout to settle his young team down. However the Hoyas third quarter rally had them within 10 points at the end on the period as they trailed 61-51 heading into the fourth.

During the short intermission, Coach Swanston really got after his players, for their lackadaisical play. His team responded in the fourth by exploding for 29 points while defensively holding the Hoyas to just eight. It was Jones again, leading the way with 14 points in the final period to crush any hopes the Hoyas may have had.

We played well, but the team is lacking gym time, said coach Swanston. it so hard to get them in the gym to practice. Well the team that was on display on Monday looked pretty good. One shudders to think what they would be like if they did practice.

The UBA recently announced the Louisville Diesel as a new franchise for the 2013-2014 season. The Diesel have established their UBA home in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Louisville Diesel will be owned by Will Richard (6'3''-G-84, agency: Gamble Sports Management). Richard has had success on the minor league level as a player and recently played at the professional level in Chile.

'I think bringing a UBA team to Louisville, Kentucky will be a great opportunity for guys to get quality game film and a chance to showcase their talent, said Will Richard. We are looking forward to bringing the UBA brand to Kentucky, added Richard. The UBA has a proven track record for sending players every year to play at the international professional level.

Ukraine celebrated the first win at the classification round Group G at the U20 European Championship. They prevailed against Czech Republic in Tallinn today. Vladyslav Koreniuk (207-C-94) scored 22 points to lead the winners. It was all about Ukraine in the first three periods. They poured in 29 points in the first ten minutes to gain a 10-point lead. Ukraine stretched the gap to as many as 15 points at the interval 41:56. Ukraine stayed in control throughout the third quarter. They raced to a comfortable 23-point lead before the final stanza. But Czech Republic did not surrender. They ignited a massive rally in the final period to get within 6 points 81:87 with 52 seconds remaining. But Klym Artamonov (186-PG-93) sank two free throws to calm things down as Ukraine got away with the victory. Anatoliy Shundel (194-SG-93) chipped in 21 points, while Klym Artamonov netted 18 points, 9 assists and 3 boards in the victory. Martin Kriz (204-PF-93) answered with 25 points for Czech Republic. Samuel Faifr (200-PF-93) banked 12 points in the loss.

2013 University Games: Ukraine enjoy the last victory in Kazan - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine-United Arab Emirates 107:54

Ukraine enjoy the last victory in Kazan as they overcame United Arab Emirates 107:54. Ukraine finished on the 18th place at the 2013 University Games. Ukraine erupted with 32-4 surge and dominated the whole game. The European side posted a massive 33-14 in the second frame as Nikola Polyulyak (192-G-90) made it 65:18. He also increased the lead to +50, while AL BRAIKI Mohamed reduced to 83:38 at the end of the third period. Ukraine added 24-16 rally in the last stanza for the final result. Rodion Borovskyi (195-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Nikola Polyulyak nailed 18. Alexei Pavlenko (186-PG-90) delivered 16, while MYKHAILOV Anton netted 14 and ROCHNIAK Anton brought 12. OMAR ALAMERI Omer answered with 20 points in the losing effort and AHMAD AL SHABEBI Qais had 17. AL BRAIKI Mohamed poured in 7, whilst KHALIFA AHMAD Khalid chipped in with 6.

2013 University Games: Ukraine enjoy the last victory in Kazan - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine-United Arab Emirates 107:54

Ukraine enjoy the last victory in Kazan as they overcame United Arab Emirates 107:54. Ukraine finished on the 18th place at the 2013 University Games. Ukraine erupted with 32-4 surge and dominated the whole game. The European side posted a massive 33-14 in the second frame as Nikola Polyulyak (192-G-90) made it 65:18. He also increased the lead to +50, while AL BRAIKI Mohamed reduced to 83:38 at the end of the third period. Ukraine added 24-16 rally in the last stanza for the final result. Rodion Borovskyi (195-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Nikola Polyulyak nailed 18. Alexei Pavlenko (186-PG-90) delivered 16, while MYKHAILOV Anton netted 14 and ROCHNIAK Anton brought 12. OMAR ALAMERI Omer answered with 20 points in the losing effort and AHMAD AL SHABEBI Qais had 17. AL BRAIKI Mohamed poured in 7, whilst KHALIFA AHMAD Khalid chipped in with 6.

Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93) nailed 37 points to keep Great Britain undefeated at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Great Britain beat Poland 83:74 for 4-0 record. Poland meanwhile suffered their first loss and dropped at 3-1 record. Both teams entered the game undefeated and desired to add another victory. Poland won the first period 27:24, but Great Britain needed a 27-15 surge in the second frame to take 51:42 halftime advantage. Poland managed to win the third period as Trojan reduced to 58:56 after three quarters. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G/F-93) and Karolak gave Poland 64:63 lead, but their teams could not post the victory. Nick Lewis (190-G-93) scored 20 points and Joe Hart (194-G/F-93) nailed 11. Zak Wells (213-C-93) followed them with 6 points. Mateusz Ponitka finished the game with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Przemyslaw Karnowski (216-C-93) collected 20 points and 13 rebounds. Sebastian Kowalczyk (190-PG-93) and Tomasz Gielo (206-F-93) scored 6 points each.

Cocodrilos de Caracas claimed the LPB title! They defeated Marinos de Anzoategui on the road in the decisive seventh game of the championship series. Cocodrilos got to a confident start. Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) nailed 11 points in the opening to give the visitors a 19:15 lead. Marinos turned things around in the second frame. The hosts picked up the tempo to establish a 39:34 halftime lead. Cocodrilos stuck around in the third term. They cut the deficit to a single point 48:49 with ten minutes remaining. Cocodrilos pulled ahead late in the game and protected the lead well in the dying seconds. They snatched the victory at the end and dethroned Marinos. Andre Emmett finished with 26 points and was trumped the MVP of the Finals. Carl Elliott (193-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) added 16 points, while Windi Graterol (204-C-86) had 11 points and 12 boards for the visitors. Marinos answered with 15 points from Gregory Vargas (180-PG-86). Leon Rodgers (201-F-80, college: N.Illinois) chipped in 14 points in the loss.

Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd set to join VTB League for the next season. The Russian Superleague 2012 debutant is ready for another debut.In year 2012/2013 the team finished Superleague with 10-18 record, but looks very confident before the start of the new season. The sources sent Lavrinovic brothers to the teams as well as some more loud transfers. Krasny Oktyabr can get a wild card because of B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas absence. The latter will not participate in the next season of VTB League. The Kaunas team has withdrawn from the League citing a tight schedule as the main reason for the move. Last season B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas won the VTB League regular season. They finished at 16-2 record. The Kaunas team lost to Lokomotiv Kuban in the semifinal series then.

Unics Kazan tab Tywain McKee - by Eurobasket News (T)

Unics Kazan bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Tywain McKee (188-PG-86, college: Coppin St.). The guard is not new to Russia. He spent the last three seasons with Triumph. Last season Tywain McKee notched 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game in PBL. In VTB League the guard delivered 13.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.0 steals per appearance. He also tallied 17.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game. McKee was named All-Russian PBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. The guard was trumped All-Baltic League Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Previously Tywain McKee had stints in Belarus and Australia. He made it into All-Australian NBL 1st Team in 2010. Next season McKee was named into All-Belarusian League 1st Team.

CEZ Basketball Nymburk (NBL) inked 26-year old American point guard Scottie Reynolds (188-95kg-87, college: Villanova). He played most recently at Enel Brindisi in Italian SerieA. In 30 games he recorded 11.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 5.4apg and 2.0spg last season. The most of previous (2011-12) season Reynolds spent at Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (TBL) in Turkish league. In 14 games he averaged impressive 18.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.4apg and 1.1spg that season. He also spent pre-season at the Jazz in NBA that year. The last (2011-12) summer Reynolds was tested by Talk N Text (PBA) in Filipino league.Three years ago he was drafted by Tulsa 66ers (D-League) in first round (13th overall).Reynolds attended Villanova University until 2010 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.Among other achievements he played in the final of Santiago Regional Tournment in 2011. Reynolds was selected to D-League All-Star Game in 2011.He is a very experienced player. Reynolds has played also professionally in Dominican Rep., Dominican Republic (CDP Domingo Paulino Santiago) and D-League (Springfield Armor).His game is described as:
An explosive scorer capable of playing either guard position ... Crafty with the basketball, especially on drives to the basket ... An accomplished 3-point shooter with range well beyond the arc.

Moldovan U18 National Team earned victory in the opening day of the U18 European Championship in Division C. They eked out a narrow one-point win over Wales in Andorra. Vladislav Solopa (202-F-95) provided 23 points, 12 boards and 7 assists for the winners. Moldova unleashed 30 points in the first period to take an 8-point advantage. But Wales adjusted their defence and slowed down their opponents. The Welsh team cut the deficit at 3-point mark at halftime 44:47. Wales erased the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the fourth period tied at 67. Wales enjoyed an 82:81 lead with just over a minute remaining in regulation. But Vladislav Solopa hit two free throws in the reminder of the contest and sealed the win for Moldova. Vladislav Golban (195-F-95) delivered 21 points, while Piotr Liulenov (185-G-95) had 12 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Daniel Walsh (185-G-95) answered with 20 points for Wales. James Cameron (200-C-95) had 19 points and 11 boards in the loss.

Serbia clinch Bronze at the 2013 University Games. The Balkan side overcame Canada 87:74 at the 2013 University Games. Two years ago both teams faced each other in the Final game. Serbia regained the World University Games title. They prevailed against Canada 68:55 in the championship game in Shenzhen. Mladen Jeremic stepped up with 17 points to lead the charge. Today the teams played for the Bronze medals. Serbia won the first period 24:16 and added 23-21 lead in the second frame. Canada however replied with a 26-14 surge and EJIM Melvin tied the game at 57:57. Dwight Powell (208-F-91) made it 70:70, but Serbia erupted with a 17-4 surge to seal the victory.Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Ivan Smiljanic (199-F-89) nailed 13. Milos Dimic (195-G-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) and Stefan Zivanovic (196-G-89) posted 9 points each. Dwight Powell answered with 12 points in defeat and Thomas Scrubb (196-F-91) netted 11. Daniel Mullings (188-G-91) brought 10, while Philip Scrubb (190-G-92) had 9.

Lithuania ended up on the 5th place at the 2013 University Games. The Baltic side overcame Romania 87:50 in the game for 5-6 places in Kazan. Lithuania started the game with a 5-0 run, while Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89, agency: Alti Sport) closed the quarter with 6 consecutive points for 18:7 lead. Lithuania added 25-15 rally in the second frame and enjoyed a 43:22 halftime advantage. Moreover Lithuania increased the lead to 29 points after three quarters when Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) scored for 63:34. The Baltic side led 43 points midway through the last frame but was satisfied with the final 87:50 win. Adomas Drungilas top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Sarunas Vasiliauskas tallied 14. Vytenis Lipkevicius (197-F-89) notched 13, while Vytenis Cizauskas (190-SG-92) added 12. Bogdan Tibirna (210-C-91) replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Adrian Gutoaia (198-C-90, agency: Court Side) had 7. TOROK Rolland and Iulian Orbeanu (204-C-91) brought 6 points each in a loss.

Estonia finished 7th after the win over Brazil at the 2013 University Games. They overcame the opponents 67:63 as both teams finished their campaign in Kazan. Brazil looked better in the first period and led 4 points twice during the quarter. GONCALVES Isaac nailed three for 22:21 and le later brought 26:25. Estonia however got the lead and grabbed 34:33 halftime advantage. Brazil replied with 21-16 rally in the third period, but Estonia pushed the tempo in the last stanza. Toomas Raadik (202-F-90) scored 11 points in a row for the Estonian team that enjoyed a 67:63 victory. Toomas Raadik stepped up with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Taavi Hamarsalu (200-C/F-89), Madis Saarmets (201-C-90) and Erik Keedus (198-F-90) netted 12 each. Cristiano Felicio (206-C-92) replied with 18 points for Brazil that finished 8th at the 2013 University Games. George Chaia (190-G-91) and DEODATO Guilherme brought 9 points each, while Leonardo Meindl (200-F-93) had 8.

USA rout Finland for the final 9th position at the 2013 University Games. One of the favorites posted a 97:70 victory in their last game of the campaign. It was not the Classification Round the USA dreamt to play in. The team could not make it to the Quarterfinals and desired however to finish on a high note. USA started the game with 25-20 lead and erupted with 27-6 surge in the second frame. Moreover USA posted a 20-18 rally in the third quarter, while Finland replied with 26-25 run in the last stanza. Will Sheehey (6'7''-F-92) stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Adreian Payne (6'10''-C-91) delivered 13. Aaron White (6'8''-F-92) brought 12 and Kevin Ferrell (6'0''-G-93) scored 11. Finland got 18 points from Carl Lindbom (6'9''-F-91), while Antto Nikkarinen (6'1''-PG-91, agency: Blacktop Management) netted 10. Roope Ahonen (6'1''-G-90, agency: FCM) posted 9 points and Jesse Niemi (6'4''-F/G-90) added 8 in a loss.

Mexico overcame Germany, as both teams farewell to Kazan. Mexico finished on the 11th spot after a 71:64 win at the 2013 University Games. Both teams entered Miras Sports Complex in order to win their last game. Mexico posted a 20-18 run in the first period, while Germany replied with 16-11 rally in the second frame. The third period was decisive in the game as Mexico exploded with 30-16 burst and never looked behind after. The European team managed to win the last stanza 14-10, but reduced to final 7 points. Juan Ramirez (195-F-91) paced all the winners with 17 points and Ricardo Calatayud (182-PG-92) followed him with 15. Jesus Felix (194-F-90) brought 13 points and Fernando Benitez (204-F/C-89) had 12. Ole Wendt (190-PG-92) notched 16 points for Germany and Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (208-C-90, agency: Court Side) had 13. Florian Koch (197-SF-92) scored 12, and MOENNINGHOFF Mathis added 9.

Norway ended up on 13th place at the 2013 University Games. They needed a final 79:77 win over South Korea in their last game of the tournament. Norway started the game with 24:17 lead and added 21-13 rally in the second period. Stian Mjos (182-PG-89) gave his team 19-point advantage, however Norway hardly escaped with the win. South Korea erupted with a 17-2 surge as HAN Ho Bin reduced to 47:43 early in the third. Norway again pushed the tempo and reached 73:60 with 5 minutes to go. South Korea could not take the lead in the game and managed only to reduce to 79:77. Stian Mjos and Magne Fivelstad (198-G-89) top-scored for the winners with 16 points each, while Anders Stien (195-G-90) notched 14. Karamo Jawara (201-F-91) collected 10 points and 12 rebounds in a win. DOO Kyung Min answered with 29 points in the losing effort and JEON Seong Hyen had 17. LEE Dae Heon brought 11, whilst HAN Ho Bin notched 9.

Czech Republic closed the campaign with the win over Mongolia at the 2013 University Games. Czech Republic produced a 94:80 victory for the 15th place at the tournament. Mongolia finished the tournament on the 16th position.Both teams did their best to finish on a high note. Czech Republic started the game with 18-17 lead and added 24-22 before the halftime. The European side also posted a 31-25 rally in the third quarter and finished the game with 21-16 end. Michal Mares (192-G/F-92) paced all the winners with 21 points and Viktor Cvek (200-C-89) nailed 14. Martin Gniadek (201-F/C-90) and Adam Ciz (190-PG-91) delivered 12 points each, while Jan Jiricek (203-F-90) had 10. Sanchir Tungalag (188-G-89) answered with 26 points in defeat and Munkhtuvshin Davaadorj (189-SG-89) had 14. Bilguun Battuvshin (197-F-89) brought 13, whilst Gansukh Avarzed (191-G-92) chipped in with 8.

Sweden rout Japan in the last day opener of the 2013 University Games. The Scandinavian team posted a 62:50 win to finish on the 17th place. Sweden opened the game with 16-6 lead and never looked behind after. The European team added 17-15 rally in the second period and led 12 points at the halftime. Japan managed to score the same number of points with the opponents in the second half. Both teams posted 15 points in the third period and ended up with 14 points apiece. Gustav Sundstrom (197-G-91) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Chris Czerapowicz (201-G-91) nailed 16. Alexander Lindqvist (205-F-91) poured in 8, while Sebastian Norman (206-F-92) added 6. Kengo Nomoto (196-F-92) replied with 16 points in defeat and Taku Bandoh (185-G-92) brought 15. Seiji Ikaruga (185-G-94) netted 7 and Kebin Hareyama (191-F-93) brought 5.

Ukraine enjoy the last victory in Kazan as they overcame United Arab Emirates 107:54. Ukraine finished on the 18th place at the 2013 University Games. Ukraine erupted with 32-4 surge and dominated the whole game. The European side posted a massive 33-14 in the second frame as Nikola Polyulyak (192-G-90) made it 65:18. He also increased the lead to +50, while AL BRAIKI Mohamed reduced to 83:38 at the end of the third period. Ukraine added 24-16 rally in the last stanza for the final result. Rodion Borovskyi (195-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Nikola Polyulyak nailed 18. Alexei Pavlenko (186-PG-90) delivered 16, while MYKHAILOV Anton netted 14 and ROCHNIAK Anton brought 12. OMAR ALAMERI Omer answered with 20 points in the losing effort and AHMAD AL SHABEBI Qais had 17. AL BRAIKI Mohamed poured in 7, whilst KHALIFA AHMAD Khalid chipped in with 6.

Chile beat China to finish a step higher at the 2013 University Games. Chile needed a 76:72 win for 21st place in Kazan.Chile started the game with 22-18 lead, but China replied with a 23-11 surge in the second frame. XIAO Jian made it 41:33 to send both sides to the lockers. Cui Jinming (193-G-92) increased to 10 points early in the third period, but China could not win the game. Tomas Alvarez (185-G-89) nailed three for 60:59 early in the last period and then COTRONEO Rocco scored for 68:64. Chile managed to keep the lead and won their last game. Camilo Bustamante (187-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Tomas Alvarez nailed 15. Francisco Pena (187-G/F-89) brought 13, while Osven Ledezma (202-C-90) collected 9 points and 19 rebounds. Liu Zihao (183-PG-92) replied with 16 points in defeat, while Cui Jinming had 15. Wei Meng (210-C-89) collected 12 points and 12 rebounds for China that finished on the 22nd place.

Andorra beat Wales in Day 2 at the U18 European Championship Division C. The hosts of the tournament posted a 42:28 win for 2-0 record in the group. Wales surprised the hosts with a 6-0 run in the beginning of the game, but Andorra replied with a 10-0 run to take later 10:8 advantage at the end of the first period. Andorra managed to take the bigger lead in the second frame and enjoyed a 24:15 halftime advantage. Both teams managed to score only 11 points in the third period as Andorra added 6-5 lead. Moreover they finished the game with 12-8 rally for the final result. Christina Andres (168-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 12 steals. Claudia Brunet (163-PG-96) netted 10 and Marta Aguilera (167-F-95) scored 5. Jessica Ross netted 8 points in a loss, while Joanna Thomas (179-C-96) collected 6 points and 15 rebounds. Tomorrow Gibraltar will take on Wales in the opener of the day. Malta and Andorra will battle for the top place.

Adelaide Link Lightning (WNBL) tabbed 24-year old British international center Azania Stewart (195-89, college: Florida). Stewart managed to play in three leagues in three countries last year (!!!). She played most recently at PINKK-Pecsi 424 in Hungarian A Division. In 8 games she averaged 10.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.3spg and 1.1bpg. She also played at PINKK-Pecsi (A Division) in Hungary that season. In 8 games she had 10.3ppg and 5.5rpg. The other team Stewart played shortly was Barking Abbey (EBL) in British league. In four games she had very impressive stats: 15.3ppg and 6.3rpg. Another team she played that season for was Caja Rural (LFB) in Spanish league. In 10 games she had 5.7ppg and 1.9rpg. Stewart's team made it to the Hungarian League Semifinals.She has been also a member of British international program for some years. Stewart has regularly played for since 2010 and previously for University National Team in 2009. She represented United Kingdom at the European Championships in France this year. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 6.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 43.2%, FT: 61.5%.Stewart graduated from University of Florida in 2012 and it is her second season in pro basketball.

French U16 National Team claimed the opening win at the European Youth Olympic Festival tournament in Utrecht. They shot down Belgium behind 16 points from Lisa Berkani (173-SG-97). France ensured a 17:15 lead after the starting quarter. Les Bleus stretched the gap in the second quarter. They piled up a 31:27 halftime advantage. France deepened the distance in the third term. They entered the final period up by as many as 12 points 51:39. France held their opponents to just 5 points in the fourth period and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Camille Lenglet delivered 9 points, while Alix Duchet (165-PG-97) chipped in 7 points for France. Elise Ramette (98) responded with 12 points for Belgium. Sofia Ouahabi (165-G-97) had 11 points in the losing effort.

Russia recorded the first win at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht. They knocked down Czech Republic. Maria Mariya Vadeeva (190-C-98) tallied impressive 30 points and 17 rebounds to lead the effort. Russia grabbed a narrow 14:11 lead after ten minutes of action. They stayed in control in the second frame. Russia held Czech Republic to 10 points in the next quarter and clinched a 32:21 halftime lead. Russia extended the advantage in the third period. They were up by 13 points with ten minutes remaining. Czech Republic went on a desperate comeback rally in the final stanza but came up short of win at the end. Anna Burovaya (172-PG-97) delivered 11 points, while Anastasia Zaytseva (180-SF-97) added 5 points for Russia. Julia Reisingerova (193-C-98) answered with 14 points and 7 boards for Czech Republic. Karolina Fadrhonsova (172-G-97) had 10 points in the defeat.

Pankup TED Kayseri sign three new players. The Turkish team agreed with 34-year old Belgian Anke De Mondt (175-F/G-79) who played last time at TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow in Poland. In 29 PLKK games she had 9.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.0apg and 1.0spg last season. She helped them to make it to both league and cup finals. A very impressive season as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Honorable Mention. De Mondt also played 15 games in Euroleague where she recorded 7.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.1apg and 1.7spg.The list of the past achievements is quite long as she won Polish PLKK championship title in 2012. De Mondt was also voted Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Guard of the Year in 2012. She represented Belgium at the Qualifications to European Championships 2009 five years ago. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 8.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 34.5%.Pankup TED Kayseri agreed terms with 32-year old domestic Bengu Arseven (81) who played last time at Altay Konak Belediyespor in n TKB2L. It is actually her comeback to Kayseri as she played here before. In 31 TKB2L games she had 11.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.6apg and 1.4spg last season. She helped them to win the league title.The previous (11-12) season Arseven played at Edremit. In 20 games she recorded 11.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.7apg and 1.6spg that season. She contributed to her team ending the regular season as at the second position in the league.Gamze Takmaz (180-F-91) is another signing of the team. She played last time at Botasspor Adana. In 25 games she averaged 3.6ppg and 1.4rpg last season. She helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league. Takmaz also played 6 games in Eurocup where she had 4.7ppg and 1.0rpg. She was selected to Turkish TBBL All-Star Game back in 2009. Takmaz was also a member of Turkish international program for some years. She played for Turkish Senior National Team in 2010 and previously for U18 National Team between 2008 and 2009. Takmaz represented Turkey at the European Championships U20 in Serbia two years ago. Her stats at that event were 4 games: 8.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5 (2.3spg), FGP: 20.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%.

Division C: Results and Stats from Day 2 in Andorra - by Eurobasket News

Wales U18-Andorra U18 28:42

Andorra beat Wales in Day 2 at the U18 European Championship Division C. The hosts of the tournament posted a 42:28 win for 2-0 record in the group. Wales surprised the hosts with a 6-0 run in the beginning of the game, but Andorra replied with a 10-0 run to take later 10:8 advantage at the end of the first period. Andorra managed to take the bigger lead in the second frame and enjoyed a 24:15 halftime advantage. Both teams managed to score only 11 points in the third period as Andorra added 6-5 lead. Moreover they finished the game with 12-8 rally for the final result. Christina Andres (168-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 12 steals. Claudia Brunet (163-PG-96) netted 10 and Marta Aguilera (167-F-95) scored 5. Jessica Ross netted 8 points in a loss, while Joanna Thomas (179-C-96) collected 6 points and 15 rebounds. Tomorrow Gibraltar will take on Wales in the opener of the day. Malta and Andorra will battle for the top place.

Malta celebrate the second win at the U18 European Championship Division C. The team overcame Gibraltar 49:36 for 2-0 record, while the latter fell at 0-2. Malta started the game with 15-5 lead and never looked behind. The team added 13-11 rally in the second frame and led 28:16 at the halftime. Maria Bonett (174-C-95) scored for 30:16 and then she scored another 5 points for 39:24 lead. Curmi later closed the period at 41:27. Gibraltar managed to win the last period 9-8 and reduced to final 13 points. Joelle Grech (166-PG-97) top-scored for the winners with 11 points and Natalie Rodriguez (170-F-96) nailed 10. Jamie Prescott (171-C-96) collected 5 points and 12 rebounds, while Danielle Bensadon (166-G-97) added 4. Maria Bonett answered with 13 points in the losing effort and Julia Xerri (167-G-96) added 10. Gabriella Mifsud (167-F-95) scored 8 points in defeat.

Finland U18 edge Latvia U18 in Aniksci . The strong start allowed them to post a 60:58 victory in a preparation clash before the start of the U18 European Championship. Finland started the game with 24-13 lead and led 11 points at the halftime. Moreover they added 11-10 rally in the second frame and enjoyed a 46:34 lead after three quarters. Latvia replied with a 19-9 surge in the last stanza but managed to reduce to final 2 points. Elina Koskimies (180-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) netted 11. Tuuli Menna (183-F-96) brought 10, while Evianna Sipila (178-SF-95) added 7. Kitija Laksa (182-F/G-96) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort. Elina Berzina (175-G-95) brought 7 and Paula Luke (185-C-96) notched 6.

French U16 National Team claimed the opening win at the European Youth Olympic Festival tournament in Utrecht. They shot down Belgium behind 16 points from Lisa Berkani (173-SG-97). France ensured a 17:15 lead after the starting quarter. Les Bleus stretched the gap in the second quarter. They piled up a 31:27 halftime advantage. France deepened the distance in the third term. They entered the final period up by as many as 12 points 51:39. France held their opponents to just 5 points in the fourth period and sealed a comfortable win at the end. Camille Lenglet delivered 9 points, while Alix Duchet (165-PG-97) chipped in 7 points for France. Elise Ramette (98) responded with 12 points for Belgium. Sofia Ouahabi (165-G-97) had 11 points in the losing effort.

Malta celebrate the second win at the U18 European Championship Division C. The team overcame Gibraltar 49:36 for 2-0 record, while the latter fell at 0-2. Malta started the game with 15-5 lead and never looked behind. The team added 13-11 rally in the second frame and led 28:16 at the halftime. Maria Bonett (174-C-95) scored for 30:16 and then she scored another 5 points for 39:24 lead. Curmi later closed the period at 41:27. Gibraltar managed to win the last period 9-8 and reduced to final 13 points. Joelle Grech (166-PG-97) top-scored for the winners with 11 points and Natalie Rodriguez (170-F-96) nailed 10. Jamie Prescott (171-C-96) collected 5 points and 12 rebounds, while Danielle Bensadon (166-G-97) added 4. Maria Bonett answered with 13 points in the losing effort and Julia Xerri (167-G-96) added 10. Gabriella Mifsud (167-F-95) scored 8 points in defeat.

The Dutch U16 National Team claimed the first win at the European Youth Olympic Festival tournament in Utrecht. They defeated Slovak Republic in the opener. Asa Kantebeek led the hosts with 21 points. Netherlands stunned their opponents in the starting ten minutes. The hosts went on a furious 31:6 run to clear off. Netherlands maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The Dutch team accumulated a 48:17 halftime advantage. Slovak Republic narrowed the deficit in the third term. They got within 18 points at the final break. Slovak Republic got even closer in the fourth term but the gap was too deep to overcome as the home side coasted to the victory at the end. Eveline Kallenberg (170-PG-97) had 15 points, while Laura Steggink (183-PF-97) added 11 points for the Dutch side. Lucia Striesova (180-G-97) answered with 15 points for Slovak Republic. Julia Lelkes (170-PG-98) had 11 points in the loss.

Slovenian and Hungarian U18 National Team played two friendly encounters in Slovenj Gradec. Slovenia claimed a 75:65 victory in the first game. The hosts led by just two points at halftime 34:32. They extended the lead to three points at the final break and raced to the victory with a 22:15 rally in the fourth period. Eva Lisec (192-C-95) nailed 25 points to lead Slovenia. Zupancic added 10 points for the home side. Dora Nagy (170-PG-95) answered with 12 points for Hungary. Vivien Raus (175-G/F-95) topscored with 15 points in the loss. The second game was even a closer clash. Slovenia eked out an 18:16 lead after ten minutes. But Hungary erased the deficit and surged ahead for a 31:28 halftime advantage. The home side entered the fourth period trailing by two points. But Slovenia triggered a 15:9 run in the final ten minutes to escape with the victory at the end 55:51. Eva Lisec topscored for Slovenia once again with 14 points. Ziva Macura (190-F/C-95) added 11 points in the winning effort. Dora Nagy responded with 11 points, while Szorenyi chipped in 7 points in the defeat.

UNI Gyor signs Diamant just out of college - by Eurobasket News (T)

HAT-AGRO UNI Gyor (A Division) signed American power forward Dannielle Diamant (196). She just graduated from Northwestern (NCAA). In 29 games she had 11.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg and 1.5bpg last season. A very impressive year as she was named to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.As mentioned above Diamant is just out of the college and it will be her first season as a pro.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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ITALY

2013 EYOF: Italy lose to Hungary in opener - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16 - Hungary U16 60:68

Italian U16 National Team lost the opening game at the European Youth Olympic Festival tournament in Utrecht. They surrendered against Hungary. The Hungarian youngsters grabbed a 21:17 lead after the opening quarter. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Hungary entered the second half up by three points 37:34. Italy lagged behind throughout the third term. The Azzurri faced a 12-point deficit before the fourth quarter. They cut the distance in the final period but came up short of win at the end. Mariella Santucci (167-PG-97) nailed 18 points to lead the Azzurri. Francesca Pan (180-SG-97) chipped in 16 points in the loss. Italy will now face France later tonight.

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LATVIA

Finland U18 edge Latvia U18 in Aniksci - by Eurobasket News

Finland U18-Latvia U18 60:58

Finland U18 edge Latvia U18 in Aniksci . The strong start allowed them to post a 60:58 victory in a preparation clash before the start of the U18 European Championship. Finland started the game with 24-13 lead and led 11 points at the halftime. Moreover they added 11-10 rally in the second frame and enjoyed a 46:34 lead after three quarters. Latvia replied with a 19-9 surge in the last stanza but managed to reduce to final 2 points. Elina Koskimies (180-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 13 points and Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) netted 11. Tuuli Menna (183-F-96) brought 10, while Evianna Sipila (178-SF-95) added 7. Kitija Laksa (182-F/G-96) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort. Elina Berzina (175-G-95) brought 7 and Paula Luke (185-C-96) notched 6.

Latvia U16 claimed three straight wins over their Belarusian counterparts in the preparations for the upcoming European Championship. The first game ended with Latvia claiming a 67:50 victory. Digna Strautmane (188-F-98) nailed 16 points to lead the hosts. Kristiana Rikveile (170-G-97) had 15 points in the winning effort. Latvia built a 32:17 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the win. Latvia dominated the second game of the series. They registered a 34:19 halftime lead. The hosts went on a 26:8 run in the fourth quarter to seal the win at the end. Tatjana Savicka (173-PF-97) netted 14 points for Latvia. Digna Strautmane chipped in 9 points in the victory. Latvia swept the test series with a 71:49 win in the third game. The hosts piled up a comfortable 45:25 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the win. Tatjana Savicka chipped in 16 points for Latvia. Amanda Betlere (166-G-97) had 14 points for the hosting team.

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LITHUANIA

TED Ankara lands Kamile Nacickaite - by Eurobasket News (T)

TED Ankara Kolejliler (TKBL) tabbed 24-year old Lithuanian international guard Kamile Nacickaite (180-89, college: Drexel). She played most recently at C.U.S. Chieti in Italian A1 league. In 12 games she averaged impressive 16.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3spg last season. Nacickaite also spent pre-season at Galatasaray that year.Among other achievements she played in the final of CAA Tournament in 2012. Nacickaite received also All-CAA 1st Team award in 2012 at her college time.Nacickaite has been also a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. She has regularly played for since 2010 and previously for U20 National Team between 2008 and 2009. Nacickaite represented Lithuania at the European Championships in France this year. Her stats at that event were 3 games: 10.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 55.6%.Nacickaite graduated from Drexel University in 2012 and it is her second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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LUXEMBOURG

Baker's pro career starts at Musel Pikes - by Eurobasket News (T)

Musel Pikes (Total League) tabbed 22-year old American forward Katie Baker (183-91). She just graduated from Montana (NCAA). In 32 games she averaged 13.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg and 1.9bpg last season. She helped them to win Big Sky Conf. Tournament and end the regular season at the top position. She can count that season as a very successful as was awarded All-Big Sky Conference Player of the Year, selected to All-Big Sky Conference 1st Team and selected to WBCA All-NCAA D1 Honorable Mention.As mentioned above Baker is just out of the college and it will be her first season in pro basketball.

Malta celebrate the second win at the U18 European Championship Division C. The team overcame Gibraltar 49:36 for 2-0 record, while the latter fell at 0-2. Malta started the game with 15-5 lead and never looked behind. The team added 13-11 rally in the second frame and led 28:16 at the halftime. Maria Bonett (174-C-95) scored for 30:16 and then she scored another 5 points for 39:24 lead. Curmi later closed the period at 41:27. Gibraltar managed to win the last period 9-8 and reduced to final 13 points. Joelle Grech (166-PG-97) top-scored for the winners with 11 points and Natalie Rodriguez (170-F-96) nailed 10. Jamie Prescott (171-C-96) collected 5 points and 12 rebounds, while Danielle Bensadon (166-G-97) added 4. Maria Bonett answered with 13 points in the losing effort and Julia Xerri (167-G-96) added 10. Gabriella Mifsud (167-F-95) scored 8 points in defeat.

Widzew Lodz (PLKK) confirmed in their roster 29-year old domestic international forward Aleksandra Pawlak (189-84). She has played there for the last four seasons. In 22 PLKK games she had 12.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg and 1.5spg last season.The list of the past achievements is quite long as Pawlak was voted Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Honorable Mention in 2012. She was called to Polish Senior National Team this year.Pawlak has played previously for another Polish team PTK Pabianice.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Pawlak re-signs at Widzew - by Eurobasket News (T)

Widzew Lodz (PLKK) confirmed in their roster 29-year old domestic international forward Aleksandra Pawlak (189-84). She has played there for the last four seasons. In 22 PLKK games she had 12.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg and 1.5spg last season.The list of the past achievements is quite long as Pawlak was voted Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Honorable Mention in 2012. She was called to Polish Senior National Team this year.Pawlak has played previously for another Polish team PTK Pabianice.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Andrea Riley is a newcomer at Gorzow - by Eurobasket News (T)

AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp. (PLKK) strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old American point guard Andrea Riley (165-62kg-88, college: Oklahoma State). She played last summer at Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA). But in two games she did not score anything and had only 1 rebound and 2 assists. Riley also played at Phoenix in WNBA that season. In 9 games she recorded just 2.8ppg and 1.4apg. The last (11/12) season she was tested by Tarsus Bld (TKBL) in Turkish league. In 6 games she averaged 12.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg and 1.8spg. The previous (2011) summer Riley played at Tulsa in WNBA. In 33 games she averaged 6.0ppg, 1.2rpg and 1.8apg. The last (2011) season she was tested by Mersin (TKBL) in Turkish league.Three years ago Riley was drafted by Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) in first round (8th overall).The former Oklahoma State standoutis in her fourth season in pro basketball.The list of the past achievements is quite long as her team made it to the Big 12 Tournament Semifinals in 2010. Riley was also voted WBCA All-NCAA D1 Honorable Mention and All-Big 12 1st Team back in 2008,2009 and 2010 at her college time.Riley has played also professionally in WNBA (Tulsa Shock).

Russia recorded the first win at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht. They knocked down Czech Republic. Maria Mariya Vadeeva (190-C-98) tallied impressive 30 points and 17 rebounds to lead the effort. Russia grabbed a narrow 14:11 lead after ten minutes of action. They stayed in control in the second frame. Russia held Czech Republic to 10 points in the next quarter and clinched a 32:21 halftime lead. Russia extended the advantage in the third period. They were up by 13 points with ten minutes remaining. Czech Republic went on a desperate comeback rally in the final stanza but came up short of win at the end. Anna Burovaya (172-PG-97) delivered 11 points, while Anastasia Zaytseva (180-SF-97) added 5 points for Russia. Julia Reisingerova (193-C-98) answered with 14 points and 7 boards for Czech Republic. Karolina Fadrhonsova (172-G-97) had 10 points in the defeat.

Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) announced that she will not play basketball next season. The Russian player announced retirement. Her last team was Dynamo Moscow. In 13 games she had 5.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.2apg and 1.5spg last season. She helped them to make it to the Russian Cup Semifinals. Abrosimova also played 7 games in Eurocup where she recorded 6.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.0apg and 1.0spg.The previous (2012) summer she played at Seattle in WNBA. In 21 games she recorded 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.5apg. She contributed to her team making it to the quarterfinals. The last (2012) season Abrosimova played at UMMC Ekaterinburg. In 20 games she recorded just 2.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg and 1.3spg. She contributed to her team winning the league title and the cup. Abrosimova also played 13 games in Euroleague where she recorded 3.2ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.3apg.The list of the past achievements is quite long as she was voted Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Honorable Mention back in 2010. Abrosimova also represented Russia at the European Championships in Poland two years ago. Her team won Gold and her stats at that event were 9 games: 5.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 56.3%.Abrosimova has played also professionally in Italy (Familia Schio), WNBA (Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx) and Russia (Spartak Vidnoye and CSKA Moscow).

Ilona Korstin announced retirement - by Eurobasket News

Ilona Korstin (183-SG-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) announced retirement from basketball. The Russian player is sure that the winning shot in the final of EuroCup Women with Dynamo Moscow was the last achievement of the player. In 19 games she had 7.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg last season. She helped them to make it to the Russian Cup Semifinals. Korstin also played 13 games in Eurocup where she recorded 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.5apg and 1.1spg. Korstin won EuroCup championship title.The previous (11-12) season she played at Perfumerias Avenida (LFB) in Spanish league. In 12 games she recorded 4.7ppg and 3.0rpg that season. She contributed to her team winning the cup and make to league final. Korstin also played 2 games in Euroleague where she recorded 3.5ppg, 1.0rpg and 1.5spg. She also played at Besiktas (TKBL) in Turkish league that season. In 12 games she recorded 7.4ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.6apg. Korstin also played 8 games in Eurocup where she recorded 10.6ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg and 1.8spg.In 2010-11 season she played at Spartak Vidnoye. In 25 games she recorded 6.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg and 1.0spg. She contributed to her team making it to the final after they ended regular season as second best team. A very impressive season as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague Honorable Mention and All-Domestic Players Team. Korstin also played 17 games in Euroleague where she recorded 6.3ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.4apg. She contributed to her team making it to the final.The list of the past achievements is quite long as she was voted Eurobasket.com All-Russian Superleague 1st Team back in 2010. Korstin also represented Russia at the European Championships in France this year. Her stats at that event were 3 games: 1.7ppg, 1.3rpg.

The Dutch U16 National Team claimed the first win at the European Youth Olympic Festival tournament in Utrecht. They defeated Slovak Republic in the opener. Asa Kantebeek led the hosts with 21 points. Netherlands stunned their opponents in the starting ten minutes. The hosts went on a furious 31:6 run to clear off. Netherlands maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. The Dutch team accumulated a 48:17 halftime advantage. Slovak Republic narrowed the deficit in the third term. They got within 18 points at the final break. Slovak Republic got even closer in the fourth term but the gap was too deep to overcome as the home side coasted to the victory at the end. Eveline Kallenberg (170-PG-97) had 15 points, while Laura Steggink (183-PF-97) added 11 points for the Dutch side. Lucia Striesova (180-G-97) answered with 15 points for Slovak Republic. Julia Lelkes (170-PG-98) had 11 points in the loss.

Slovenian and Hungarian U18 National Team played two friendly encounters in Slovenj Gradec. Slovenia claimed a 75:65 victory in the first game. The hosts led by just two points at halftime 34:32. They extended the lead to three points at the final break and raced to the victory with a 22:15 rally in the fourth period. Eva Lisec (192-C-95) nailed 25 points to lead Slovenia. Zupancic added 10 points for the home side. Dora Nagy (170-PG-95) answered with 12 points for Hungary. Vivien Raus (175-G/F-95) topscored with 15 points in the loss. The second game was even a closer clash. Slovenia eked out an 18:16 lead after ten minutes. But Hungary erased the deficit and surged ahead for a 31:28 halftime advantage. The home side entered the fourth period trailing by two points. But Slovenia triggered a 15:9 run in the final ten minutes to escape with the victory at the end 55:51. Eva Lisec topscored for Slovenia once again with 14 points. Ziva Macura (190-F/C-95) added 11 points in the winning effort. Dora Nagy responded with 11 points, while Szorenyi chipped in 7 points in the defeat.

Woori Bank Hansae announced Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) and Sasha Goodlett (195-C-90, college: Georgia Tech) for the next season. Nicole Powell is playing now for Tulsa Shock in WNBA. In 14 games she recorded 10.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg and 1.1spg last season. The last season Powell was tested by Perfumerias Avenida (LFB) in Spanish league. In 8 games she averaged 8.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.3apg and 1.4spg.The previous (2012) summer she played at New York in WNBA. In 37 games she averaged 7.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg and 1.3spg. She helped them to make it to the quarterfinals. The last (2012) season Powell played at Wisla Can-Pak (PLKK) in Polish league. In 32 games she averaged 8.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.6apg and 1.3spg. She contributed to her team winning the league title and the cup. Great season indeed as she was voted to Eurobasket.com Polish PLKK All-Imports Team, 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game. Powell also played 20 games in Euroleague where she averaged impressive 15.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg and 1.5spg. A very good season in her career as she was voted to Eurobasket.com Euroleague All-Imports Team and 2nd Team.Sasha Goodlett enjoys the season with Indiana Fever in WNBA. In 13 WNBA games she averaged 2.4ppg and 1.7rpg. The last season she played at Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin (LFB) in French league. In three games she had 6.0ppg and 3.7rpg. Goodlett also played 3 games in Euroleague where she had 3.0ppg and 2.7rpg. She also spent pre-season at Heilongjiang Chenneng (WCBA) in Chinese league that year. In 11 games she had 13.4ppg, 9.9rpg and 1.0spg. The last (12-13) summer Goodlett played at Indiana in WNBA. In 13 games she had only 2.4ppg and 1.7rpg.

Samsung Life Bichumi add Ashley Robinson (193-C-82, college: Tennessee) and Nikki Greene (193-F/C-90, college: Penn St.) for the upcoming season. The last season Robinson played at S-Birds. In 13 games she had very impressive stats: 15.8ppg, 13.8rpg, 2.1apg and 1.2bpg.The previous summer she played at Washington in WNBA. In 33 games she recorded 3.1ppg and 3.3rpg. The last (2012) season Robinson was tested by IMOS Brno (ZBL) in Czech Republic league. In 7 games she recorded 7.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg and 1.0bpg. She also played 9 games in Euroleague where she recorded 8.2ppg, 6.1rpg and 1.1bpg. Robinson ended the previous season at Maccabi Ashdod (D1) in Israeli league. In 11 games she recorded 5.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg and 1.6bpg. She helped them to make it to the final and cup semifinals. But the most of that year she spent at Dandenong Rangers (WNBL) in Australian league. In 13 games she recorded 6.5ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.0apg.In 2004 Robinson was drafted by Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) in second round (14th overall).Nikki Greene was tested by The Pennsylvania State University in Big Ten Conference in the NCAA. She helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals. Great season indeed as she was voted to All-Big Ten 3rd Team. This summer Greene was drafted by Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) in third round (26th overall).The former The Pennsylvania State standout is in her first season in pro basketball.

Winnus add Tina Thompson and Kelley Cain - by Eurobasket News (T)

Winnus add Tina Thompson (188-F-75, agency: Merit Management Group, college: USC) and Kelley Cain (198-C-89, college: Tennessee) for the next season. Tina Thompson is currently playing at at Seattle Storm in WNBA. In 14 games she records 11.9ppg and 4.9rpg. The last season Thompson played at Woori Hansae. In 24 games she was second best scorer with impressive 21.8ppg and had 11.5rpg (#4 in the league), 1.5apg, 1.4spg (in top 5) and 1.2bpg. The last (12-13) summer she played at Seattle in WNBA. In 14 games she averaged 11.9ppg and 4.9rpg. Thompson won WKBL championship title. She was voted Asia-Basket.com All-Korean WKBL Player of the Year in 2013. Thompson also represented USA at the Olympic Games in Beijing (China) five years ago. Her team won Gold and her stats at that event were 8 games: 12.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 73.9%.Kelley Cain played at Trogylos Priolo (A1) in Italian league. In 18 games she had 9.9ppg, 9.3rpg (#2 in the league), 1.2spg and 1.1bpg. A very impressive season as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 2nd Team and All-Defensive Team.The previous (11-12) season she played at Gure (TKB2L) in Turkish league. In 19 games she recorded very remarkable stats: 19.3ppg, 14.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg and 2.1bpg that season. Quite impressive year as she was voted Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKB2L Defensive Player of the Year and Center of the Year.Last year (a year after she left the college) Cain was drafted by New York Liberty (WNBA) in first round (7th overall). She attended University of Tennessee until 2011 and it may be her third season in pro basketball.

KB Stars announced Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) and Marissa Coleman (185-G/F-87, college: Maryland) for the next season. Monique Currie is playing now at Washington Mystics in WNBA. In 14 WNBA games she had 12.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.1apg and 1.5spg. The most of last season she spent at Perfumerias Avenida (LFB) in Spanish league. In 14 games she recorded 13.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.6apg and 1.5spg. She helped them to win the league title despite they ended the regular season at the second place. They also made it to the cup final. Quite impressive season as she was voted Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Player of the Year, Import Player of the Year and Guard of the Year. Currie also played at CSM Targoviste (Liga Nationala) in Romanian league that season. In two games she recorded 14.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg and 1.5spg. She also played 6 games in Euroleague where she recorded 13.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg and 1.5spg.KB Stars also added Marissa Coleman who is currently playing at Los Angeles Sparks in WNBA. In 14 WNBA games she recorded 5.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.2apg and 1.0spg. The last season she played at Cercle Jean Mace Bourges (LFB) in French league. In 12 games she averaged 9.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3spg. She helped them to win the league title despite they ended the regular season at the second place. Coleman also played 8 games in Euroleague where she averaged 9.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.8apg and 1.1spg. The last (12-13) summer she played at Los Angeles Sparks in WNBA. In 14 games she averaged 5.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.2apg and 1.0spg.In 2009 Washington Mystics selected her as second overall pick in WNBA draft. She attended University of Maryland and it may be her fifth season in pro basketball. Coleman received All-ACC 1st Team award back in 2009 at her college time. Coleman represented Italy at the Panamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) six years ago.

Alana Beard (180-G/F-82, college: Duke) and Shekinna Stricklen (187-G/F-90, college: Tennessee) head to Shinhan Bank S-Birds for the next season. Alana Beard is playing currently at Los Angeles Sparks in WNBA. Beard managed to play in three leagues in two countries last year (!!!). In 12 WNBA games she averaged 4.8ppg, 1.9rpg and 1.6apg. The last season she was tested by Wisla Can-Pak (PLKK) in Polish league. In 8 games she had 11.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg and 2.0spg. Beard also played 9 games in Euroleague where she had 15.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.4apg and 1.1spg. The last (12-13) summer she played at Los Angeles Sparks in WNBA. In 12 games she had 4.8ppg, 1.9rpg and 1.6apg. In 2004 Washington Mystics selected her as second overall pick in WNBA draft. The former Duke University standout is in her tenth season in pro basketball. Beard's team made it to the Polish in 2009 and 2013 final. She received WNBA All-Defensive 1st Team award in 2012. Beard also represented USA at the World Championships in Sao Paulo (Brazil) seven years ago.Shekinna Stricklen is a player of Seattle Storm (WNBA). In 2012-2013 she played for Homend Antakya Belediyesi (Turkey-TKBL, starting five) and after 24 games averaged 10.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 77.8%. In EuroCup her stats read 14.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.3apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 71.4%.

KEB Hanabank announced Nakia Sanford (194-C-76, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas) and Monica Wright (180-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) for the next season. Nakia Sanford will be back to the team she played last season. In 25 games she was fourth best scorer with impressive 18.3ppg and recorded 12.2rpg (#2 in the league), 2.4apg and 1.5spg (in top 3). She also spent pre-season at Woori Hansae (WKBL) in South Korean league that year.Sanford received Asia-Basket.com All-Korean WKBL 2nd Team award in 2013.The previous (11-12) season Sanford played at Pankup TED Kayseri Kolejspor (TKBL) in Turkish league. In 28 games she had 12.7ppg, 7.5rpg and 1.6apg. She helped them to make it to the semifinals. Sanford also played 11 games in Eurocup where she had 10.4ppg, 7.5rpg and 1.4apg. The last (11-12) summer she played at Phoenix in WNBA. In 31 games she had 4.2ppg and 3.4rpg.Monica Wright is currently plays at at Minnesota Lynx in WNBA. In 14 games she recorded 11.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3spg last season. The last season Wright played at Dandenong Rangers (WNBL) in Australian league. In 18 games she averaged 13.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.8spg (in top 2). She helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league. They also advanced to the league semifinals. Great season indeed as she was voted to Australiabasket.com All-Australian WNBL Honorable Mention. The last (12-13) summer Wright played at Minnesota in WNBA. In 14 games she averaged 11.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3spg.Three years ago Minnesota Lynx selected her as second overall pick in WNBA draft.The former University of Virginia standout Wright graduated her college in 2010 and is in her fourth season in pro basketball. Among other achievements her team won WNBA Western Conference Regular Season for two years in a row (2011 and 2012). Wright received also Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKBL Newcomer of the Year award in 2012.

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TURKEY

Botasspor Adana sign Michelle Snow - by Eurobasket News (T)

Botasspor Adana sign Michelle Snow (196-C-80, agency: LBM Management, college: Tennessee). She is currently playing at Washington Mystics in WNBA. In 14 games she records 6.1ppg and 5.5rpg last season. In 2012-2013 she played for Dynamo Kursk (Russia-PBL, starting five) and showed 10.6ppg, Reb-4 (7.6rpg), 1.3apg, FGP: 45.0%, FT: 80.9%. In EuroCup her stats read 14.1ppg, Reb-5 (8.4rpg), 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT-1 (66.7%), FT: 73.5%. Snow's team made it to the Russian PBL Semifinals for two years in a row (2012 and 2013).The list of the past achievements is quite long as she was voted Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup Center of the Year in 2012. Snow also represented USA at the World Championships in Sao Paulo (Brazil) seven years ago.She is quite experienced player. Snow has played also professionally in Israel (Elitzur Ramla), Italy (Parma), Spain (Perfumerias Avenida), WNBA (San Antonio Silver Stars, Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream) and Russia (Dynamo Kursk).She attended University of Tennessee until 2002 and it will be her twelfth season as a professional player.

Gizem Basaran joins Antakya - by Eurobasket News (T)

Homend Antakya Belediyesi (TKBL) agreed terms with 21-year old center Gizem Basaran (194-92). She played last season at Orduspor (TKB2L). In 31 games she had 7.1ppg and 6.5rpg. She helped them to win the regular season. The most of previous (2011-12) season Basaran spent at Burhaniye Bld (TKB2L). In 27 games she recorded 14.4ppg, 11.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg and 1.0bpg that season. Quite impressive year as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKB2L Honorable Mention. She also spent pre-season at Galatasaray that year. Quite impressive season as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKB2L Honorable Mention.The previous (10-11) season Basaran played at Edremit. She contributed to her team making it to the cup final and to the league semifinals. Basaran represented Turkey at the European Championships U20 in Debrecen (Hungary) last year. Her team won Bronze and her stats at that event were 9 games: 6.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP-2 (59.5%), FT: 58.3%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Gizem Basaran joins Antakya - by Eurobasket News (T)

Homend Antakya Belediyesi (TKBL) agreed terms with 21-year old center Gizem Basaran (194-92). She played last season at Orduspor (TKB2L). In 31 games she had 7.1ppg and 6.5rpg. She helped them to win the regular season. The most of previous (2011-12) season Basaran spent at Burhaniye Bld (TKB2L). In 27 games she recorded 14.4ppg, 11.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg and 1.0bpg that season. Quite impressive year as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKB2L Honorable Mention. She also spent pre-season at Galatasaray that year. Quite impressive season as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TKB2L Honorable Mention.The previous (10-11) season Basaran played at Edremit. She contributed to her team making it to the cup final and to the league semifinals. Basaran represented Turkey at the European Championships U20 in Debrecen (Hungary) last year. Her team won Bronze and her stats at that event were 9 games: 6.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP-2(59.5%), FT: 58.3%.

By Eurobasket Data Center

TED Ankara lands Kamile Nacickaite - by Eurobasket News (T)

TED Ankara Kolejliler (TKBL) tabbed 24-year old Lithuanian international guard Kamile Nacickaite (180-89, college: Drexel). She played most recently at C.U.S. Chieti in Italian A1 league. In 12 games she averaged impressive 16.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3spg last season. Nacickaite also spent pre-season at Galatasaray that year.Among other achievements she played in the final of CAA Tournament in 2012. Nacickaite received also All-CAA 1st Team award in 2012 at her college time.Nacickaite has been also a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. She has regularly played for since 2010 and previously for U20 National Team between 2008 and 2009. Nacickaite represented Lithuania at the European Championships in France this year. Her stats at that event were 3 games: 10.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 55.6%.Nacickaite graduated from Drexel University in 2012 and it is her second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Pankup TED Kayseri sign three new players - by Eurobasket News (T)

Pankup TED Kayseri sign three new players. The Turkish team agreed with 34-year old Belgian Anke De Mondt (175-F/G-79) who played last time at TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow in Poland. In 29 PLKK games she had 9.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.0apg and 1.0spg last season. She helped them to make it to both league and cup finals. A very impressive season as she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Honorable Mention. De Mondt also played 15 games in Euroleague where she recorded 7.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.1apg and 1.7spg.The list of the past achievements is quite long as she won Polish PLKK championship title in 2012. De Mondt was also voted Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Guard of the Year in 2012. She represented Belgium at the Qualifications to European Championships 2009 five years ago. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 8.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 34.5%.Pankup TED Kayseri agreed terms with 32-year old domestic Bengu Arseven (81) who played last time at Altay Konak Belediyespor in n TKB2L. It is actually her comeback to Kayseri as she played here before. In 31 TKB2L games she had 11.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.6apg and 1.4spg last season. She helped them to win the league title.The previous (11-12) season Arseven played at Edremit. In 20 games she recorded 11.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.7apg and 1.6spg that season. She contributed to her team ending the regular season as at the second position in the league.Gamze Takmaz (180-F-91) is another signing of the team. She played last time at Botasspor Adana. In 25 games she averaged 3.6ppg and 1.4rpg last season. She helped them to end the regular season as a second best team in the league. Takmaz also played 6 games in Eurocup where she had 4.7ppg and 1.0rpg. She was selected to Turkish TBBL All-Star Game back in 2009. Takmaz was also a member of Turkish international program for some years. She played for Turkish Senior National Team in 2010 and previously for U18 National Team between 2008 and 2009. Takmaz represented Turkey at the European Championships U20 in Serbia two years ago. Her stats at that event were 4 games: 8.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5 (2.3spg), FGP: 20.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Adelaide lands Azania Stewart - by Eurobasket News (T)

Adelaide Link Lightning (WNBL) tabbed 24-year old British international center Azania Stewart (195-89, college: Florida). Stewart managed to play in three leagues in three countries last year (!!!). She played most recently at PINKK-Pecsi 424 in Hungarian A Division. In 8 games she averaged 10.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.3spg and 1.1bpg. She also played at PINKK-Pecsi (A Division) in Hungary that season. In 8 games she had 10.3ppg and 5.5rpg. The other team Stewart played shortly was Barking Abbey (EBL) in British league. In four games she had very impressive stats: 15.3ppg and 6.3rpg. Another team she played that season for was Caja Rural (LFB) in Spanish league. In 10 games she had 5.7ppg and 1.9rpg. Stewart's team made it to the Hungarian League Semifinals.She has been also a member of British international program for some years. Stewart has regularly played for since 2010 and previously for University National Team in 2009. She represented United Kingdom at the European Championships in France this year. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 6.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 43.2%, FT: 61.5%.Stewart graduated from University of Florida in 2012 and it is her second season in pro basketball.

Andorra beat Wales in Day 2 at the U18 European Championship Division C. The hosts of the tournament posted a 42:28 win for 2-0 record in the group. Wales surprised the hosts with a 6-0 run in the beginning of the game, but Andorra replied with a 10-0 run to take later 10:8 advantage at the end of the first period. Andorra managed to take the bigger lead in the second frame and enjoyed a 24:15 halftime advantage. Both teams managed to score only 11 points in the third period as Andorra added 6-5 lead. Moreover they finished the game with 12-8 rally for the final result. Christina Andres (168-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 12 steals. Claudia Brunet (163-PG-96) netted 10 and Marta Aguilera (167-F-95) scored 5. Jessica Ross netted 8 points in a loss, while Joanna Thomas (179-C-96) collected 6 points and 15 rebounds. Tomorrow Gibraltar will take on Wales in the opener of the day. Malta and Andorra will battle for the top place.

Connecticut Sun cut 23-year old point guard Sydney Carter (167-90, college: Texas A&M, agency: Ronsport). In 6 WNBA games she averaged 4.5ppg, 1.7rpg and 2.8apg this season. Carter also spent pre-season at Atlanta that year. This season she played at Galil Elion (D1) in Israeli league. In 18 games she had very impressive stats: 16.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.4apg (top 3) and 2.6spg (in top 5). She helped them to make it to the Israeli Cup Semifinals. The last (2012) summer Carter played at Chicago. In only one game she recorded 4 points and 1 steal.Last year she was drafted by Chicago Sky (WNBA) in third round (27th overall).Carter attended Texas A&M University until 2012 and it is her first season in pro basketball.Among other achievements she played in the final of Big 12 Tournament in 2009, 2011 and 2012. Carter received also Big 12 All-Defensive Team award in 2011 and 2012 at her college time.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES

Eurobasket.com All-World University Games Awards 2013 - by Eurobasket Center